Cinderella (Noun)
Meaning 1
A fictional young girl who is saved from her stepmother and stepsisters by her fairy godmother and a handsome prince.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The story of Cinderella has been retold and reimagined countless times in films, stage productions, and books.
- Cinderella's fairy godmother helped her get ready for the royal ball by transforming a pumpkin into a beautiful carriage.
- In the original fairy tale, Cinderella's stepsisters are cruel and heartless, making her life miserable.
- The handsome prince fell in love with Cinderella at the ball, but she had to leave before midnight, leaving behind one of her glass slippers.
- Cinderella's rags-to-riches story has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless adaptations and interpretations.
Meaning 2
A woman whose merits were not been recognized but who then achieves sudden success and recognition.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The underappreciated secretary was the office's Cinderella, transforming overnight into a respected leader after her innovative project was adopted by the company.
- J.K. Rowling went from being a struggling single mother to a Cinderella author with the huge success of her Harry Potter series.
- The talented but overlooked artist was the art world's Cinderella, suddenly gaining international recognition and fame after a prominent gallery showcased her work.
- The small-town singer was the Cinderella of country music, going from relative obscurity to a Grammy nomination after her song went viral online.
- After years of rejection, the playwright's long-awaited Cinderella moment came when her off-Broadway show received rave reviews and earned a Tony Award.