ugly duckling

a very plain child or unpromising thing that in time becomes or could become beautiful, admirable, important, etc.

Origin: from a story by Hans Christian Andersen about a supposed ugly duckling that turns out to be a swan

See ugly duckling in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

One that is considered ugly or unpromising at first but has the potential of becoming beautiful or admirable in maturity.

Origin:

Origin: After The Ugly Duckling, a story by Hans Christian Andersen

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