ugly duckling; unremarkable person or thing
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
ugly duckling; an unremarkable or overlooked person (esp. a child or young adult)
literaryDirectly derived from the fairy tale 'The Ugly Duckling' by Hans Christian Andersen. Used to describe someone who is currently plain, awkward, or overlooked but has potential for future success or beauty.
He used to be the ugly duckling in the class, but now he has become a famous entrepreneur.
Every great person may have gone through an ugly duckling phase before succeeding.
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Don't underestimate this new software just because it's unknown now; it might be the ugly duckling that turns into a swan.
noun
something newly emerged and unnoticed
literaryAn extended meaning applying to objects, ideas, trends, etc., that are currently insignificant or undiscovered but may become important.
This startup is still an ugly duckling in the industry.
This emerging art form was initially seen as an ugly duckling, but is now highly regarded.