damsel in distress
Americannoun
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a person, usually a young woman, who needs to be rescued from danger or trouble of some kind.
This plumber is worth his weight in gold, and I would like to thank him for going out of his way to help this damsel in distress.
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Sometimes Damsel in Distress a trope or narrative device in movies, books, games, etc., portraying a female character as a victim in need of rescue.
It has an exotic locale, the classic battle of man against nature, and, of course, a damsel in distress.
Etymology
Origin of damsel in distress
First recorded in 1690–1700
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She’s a talented player who’s learning the ropes, not a damsel in distress.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 4, 2024
Dunst, 41, says it is refreshing her character is the lead in an action film and not a "damsel in distress".
From BBC ● Apr. 2, 2024
But also, it has a lot of humor surrounding it, because it's that damsel in distress kind of character.
From Salon ● Jul. 29, 2023
I never imagined Marion as a damsel in distress in any sort of way.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 1, 2023
But then again, Lindsey wasn't much for being a damsel in distress.
From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
