Lady Bountiful
1
9.9
- noun
:
Dama Generosa
- Although she had the best intentions, her approach sometimes felt patronizing, much like a typical Lady Bountiful.
Examples
-
The community affectionately referred to her as Lady Bountiful for her generous contributions to local charities.
-
They had never sat down with her before unless they had been too sick to stand, whether she came as their rent collector or their Lady Bountiful.
Fiction book (1995) -
She often donates to the local food bank and volunteers her time, truly embodying the spirit of Lady Bountiful.
Synonyms
2
4.6
A woman who gives money or help when someone needs it
Antonyms
How Generous
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is directly built from 'lady' (a woman) and 'bountiful' (generous/abundant), so a learner who knows both words will naturally infer 'a generous woman who gives to others.' While the slight condescending or patronizing tone implied by the idiom may require cultural/contextual exposure, the core meaning is compositionally transparent.
Etymology
Lady Bountiful may come from old stage plays where a rich woman named 'Lady Bountiful' handed out food and gifts to poorer people. That clear image, a woman giving help but sometimes acting like she is better, is why the phrase now means 'a woman who is generous' and can also mean someone a little 'condescending'.