A good Samaritan

noun

A person who helps others, particularly strangers, often going out of their way to do so.

He stopped by the roadside to help change my flat tire, truly a good Samaritan.
Visual representation of "a good Samaritan" - A person who helps others, particularly strangers, often going out of their way to do so

Often appears as...

  • act like a good samaritan
  • be a good samaritan

Usage tips

Idiomatic

noun

A person who helps others, particularly strangers, often going out of their way to do so.

He stopped by the roadside to help change my flat tire, truly a good Samaritan.
Visual representation of "a good Samaritan" - A person who helps others, particularly strangers, often going out of their way to do so

Often appears as...

  • act like a good samaritan
  • be a good samaritan

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "a good Samaritan"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cultural Origin

Comes from a parable in the Bible where a Samaritan helps an injured man, showing compassion regardless of ethnicity.

Illustration for Cultural Origin
Like the good Samaritan in the Bible, she assisted the lost tourist.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Beyond Duty

Emphasizes voluntary help, more than what is expected or required by the situation.

Illustration for Beyond Duty
He went out in the storm to rescue the kitten, a true good Samaritan.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Unsolicited Assistance

Involves offering help without being asked, suggesting self-initiative and altruism.

Illustration for Unsolicited Assistance
Seeing the boy cry, the good Samaritan comforted him and found his parents.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cultural Origin

Comes from a parable in the Bible where a Samaritan helps an injured man, showing compassion regardless of ethnicity.

Illustration for Cultural Origin
Like the good Samaritan in the Bible, she assisted the lost tourist.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Beyond Duty

Emphasizes voluntary help, more than what is expected or required by the situation.

Illustration for Beyond Duty
He went out in the storm to rescue the kitten, a true good Samaritan.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Unsolicited Assistance

Involves offering help without being asked, suggesting self-initiative and altruism.

Illustration for Unsolicited Assistance
Seeing the boy cry, the good Samaritan comforted him and found his parents.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cultural Origin

Comes from a parable in the Bible where a Samaritan helps an injured man, showing compassion regardless of ethnicity.

Illustration for Cultural Origin
Like the good Samaritan in the Bible, she assisted the lost tourist.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Beyond Duty

Emphasizes voluntary help, more than what is expected or required by the situation.

Illustration for Beyond Duty
He went out in the storm to rescue the kitten, a true good Samaritan.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Unsolicited Assistance

Involves offering help without being asked, suggesting self-initiative and altruism.

Illustration for Unsolicited Assistance
Seeing the boy cry, the good Samaritan comforted him and found his parents.
Visual representation of the word "A good Samaritan"

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