“The Ugly Duckling”

Cultural  

1. A children's story, told by Hans Christian Andersen. One young bird in a family of ducks is constantly mocked by the other ducks for his ugliness. Eventually, though, he grows up to be a swan — the most beautiful of all birds.

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An “ugly duckling” is someone who blossoms beautifully after an unpromising beginning.

Example Sentences

The series, for ages 6 and older, continues this week with “The Duckling’s Birthday Party,” an all-Andersen celebration that includes “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Wild Swans.”

From New York Times • Sep. 20, 2012

“The Ugly Duckling” is as true as Fiske’s “History of the United States,” and every whit as consistent.

From English: Composition and Literature by Webster, W. F. (William Franklin)