story
Cinderella
An overlooked figure recognized and rewarded after a dramatic transformation.
Origin
A widely told tale with versions across cultures (the Greek 'Rhodopis', the Chinese 'Ye Xian', and Perrault's 1697 version). A mistreated young woman's hidden worth is revealed; a magical helper enables her to attend a celebration; her identity is confirmed by an object (the slipper) that only fits her.
Modern usage
'A Cinderella story' is sports clichรฉ for an underdog who unexpectedly wins. Used broadly for any recognition-after-obscurity narrative.
In the wild
A genuine Cinderella story โ they came in unseeded and made the finals.โ sports commentary
Tags
transformation
recognition
underdog