ugly duckling . ugly duckling {n.} An ugly or plain child who grows up to be pretty and attractive. Mary was the ugly duckling in her family, until she grew up. Categories: add yours children {n.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 » In RussianTo section: U Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Comment on this entry