damsel in distress

American  

[dam-zuhl in di-stres] / ˈdæm zəl ɪn dɪˈstrɛs /

noun

1. 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.

2. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of damsel in distress

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

She’s a talented player who’s learning the ropes, not a damsel in distress.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2024

The minute Furiosa starts gnawing on her captor’s fuel line, though, Miller makes it clear that this wee captive is no damsel in distress.

From New York Times • May 15, 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

Possibly my crippling clumsiness was seen as endearing rather than pathetic, casting me as a damsel in distress.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer