Good samaritan

Good Samaritan

Meaning

Someone who compassionately helps another who is in need.

Examples

I’d lost my wallet and couldn’t get home. He played the good Samaritan and gave me a lift to my door.

Where did it originate?

Britain, 17th century. From a biblical source.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.