a good Samaritan

good Samaritan

A person who selflessly helps others, especially those in distress. Taken from a parable in the Bible in which a Samaritan man was the only person who stopped to help a man who was robbed and beaten. Brad was hailed by the newspaper as a good Samaritan after he stepped in and helped a woman who was being robbed.
See also: good, Samaritan
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a ˌgood Saˈmaritan

a person who gives help and sympathy to people who need it: He stole money from an old woman while pretending to be a good Samaritan and help carry her shopping.This comes from a story told by Jesus in the Bible.
See also: good, Samaritan
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • good Samaritan
  • change off
  • frog in a small pond
  • a big fish in a small pond
  • a big frog in a small pond
  • big fish in a small pond
  • big frog in a small pond
  • pond
  • hanger-on
  • mensch
References in classic literature
She is a good Samaritan by an irresistible vocation.
Under Western Eyes
I sent her the stamps, received the bottle, and resolved to let her drop out of my life; I had been a good Samaritan to her at the request of my friend, but the best of Samaritans resents the offer of healing oil for his own use.
Elizabeth and her German Garden
She's about 38 and appears to be in pain." Whereupon the woman looked up angry and snapped: "Stupid, I'm 30!" This shows that it's not easy to be a Good Samaritan.
How can I gain eternal life?
A Good Samaritan who stopped to help victims of a crash on Interstate 95, in Volusia County, Florida, had his truck stolen by one of the victims.
Crash Victim Steals Good Samaritan's Truck
Eugene police announced Monday that they are looking for a "hero" after a good Samaritan saved the life of a man who had overdosed on heroin Sunday morning near West 13th Avenue and Polk Street.
Eugene police looking for 'hero' who saved life with CPR
After being offered by a good Samaritan a place to stay, a 36-year-old passenger who just arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) from Jordan could have thought she might as well leave behind her three-month-old son with the kind stranger, too.
Woman abandons 3-month-old baby to stranger at Naia
If a Good Samaritan chooses to be a witness, she will be examined with utmost care and respect.
Good Samaritan Guidelines
POLICE are appealing for a good Samaritan to come forward after a bag was left in his car.
Appeal to driver over lost shopping
Near death, he thought he saw An angel, not a good Samaritan lifting him gently onto his own beast, Attentive to the spirit of the law.
Good Samaritan
"By passing a Good Samaritan law in New Jersey, we will better prepare our state to respond rapidly and efficiently to the next Super-storm Sandy."
Good Samaritan law needs to improve response times
Police are trying to trace a Good Samaritan who helped a man by taking him to an ambulance after he was attacked in a wooded area.
Police plea for Good Samaritan
POLICE want to track down a good samaritan who helped stop an assault.
Police appeal in bid to find good samaritan
A GOOD Samaritan was stabbed in the neck when he stood up to a gang of thugs who torched a car in a Birmingham street.
GANG STABS HAVE A -A-GO HERO IN THE NECK
I want to be a little more helpful, a good Samaritan."
Good deeds, no charge
My handbag had been handed in minutes earlier by a good Samaritan who didn't leave his name or address.
Letter: Good Samaritans