fairy godmother

American  

[fair-ee god-muhth-er] / ˈfɛər i ˈgɒdˌmʌð ər /

noun

1. a kindly sponsor or guardian; godmother.

2. a fairy-tale character who uses magical powers to help a hero or heroine.

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fairy godmother British  

noun

1. a character in certain fairy stories who brings unexpected benefits to the hero or heroine

2. any benefactress, esp an unknown one

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fairy godmother Idioms  

1. A generous benefactor, as in An anonymous fairy godmother donated the money for the new organ. This expression alludes to a stock character in fairy tales such as Cinderella, who gives unexpected and much needed assistance. [Late 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of fairy godmother

First recorded in 1710–20

Example Sentences

The Grimms turned the stepsisters ugly, as well as removed the fairy godmother in favour of a magical wishing tree.

From Salon

Of course, a story needs heroes as well as villains, and ours came in the shape of Tutar’s fairy godmother babysitter, Jeanise.

From Los Angeles Times

Calling all fairy godmothers: Brandy’s 1997 ‘Cinderella’ is coming to Disney+

From Los Angeles Times

Ibrahimah asks the bird if it is his fairy godmother; it shakes its head no, but still comes to him and Étienne in times of danger.

From New York Times

Like a fictional fairy godmother tending to the earth, Van Senus typically wears wings with Transit Riders Union’s gold and black colors.

From Seattle Times