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Ugly duckling

//ˈʌɡ.liː ˌdʌk.lɪŋ// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A young person who is ugly, but who is expected to become beautiful or handsome as they mature. idiomatic

    "The ugly duckling has become a very fine swan, and Rachel Sprigg and her team have worked hard to ensure that Derby is a worthy winner of that coveted National Rail Award. They can be proud of their achievements."

  2. 2
    an ugly or unpromising child who grows into a beautiful or worthy person wordnet
  3. 3
    Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see ugly, duckling.

Etymology

Calque of Danish grim ælling. From the fairy tale of a duckling, considered ugly, that matures into a magnificent swan.

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