Cinderella story
Meaning
An unexpected rise from obscurity or difficulty to great success, fame, or happiness.
Origin
The phrase "Cinderella story" comes directly from the beloved European folktale of Cinderella, a young woman suffering under a cruel stepfamily who, through magical intervention or sheer virtue, unexpectedly achieves happiness and marries a prince. While ancient versions of the tale exist across cultures, the most influential literary adaptations for the English-speaking world include Charles Perrault's 1697 French rendition, "Cendrillon," which introduced elements like the pumpkin carriage and glass slipper, and the Brothers Grimm's 1812 German version, "Aschenputtel." These popular narratives ingrained the archetypal plot of an underdog's dramatic triumph into the collective consciousness, leading the phrase to become a shorthand for any sudden and remarkable transformation from hardship to success.
Examples
- The unknown band's sudden leap to the top of the charts was a true Cinderella story for them.
- After years of struggling, her company's breakthrough innovation became a modern Cinderella story for the tech world.