Quick answer: “Good Samaritan” means A person who voluntarily helps a stranger in need, often at personal inconvenience.
Good Samaritan — a person who voluntarily helps a stranger in need, especially at personal inconvenience or risk.
Origin & History
The expression comes from the Parable of the Good Samaritan in the New Testament (Luke 10:25–37). In the story, a traveller is beaten, robbed, and left injured on the roadside. A priest and a Levite both pass without helping, but a Samaritan — a member of a group historically in conflict with Jews — stops to provide care and financial assistance. The parable became one of the most celebrated moral stories in Western culture and the phrase entered English as a general term for selfless, compassionate action.
The idiom has since transcended its religious origins. Today it appears in legal systems (Good Samaritan laws protect those who voluntarily help in emergencies), charitable organisations, and everyday conversation. It remains one of the most recognisable idioms of generosity and community spirit in the English language. Learners who want to check other figurative expressions can consult general reference works such as the Cambridge Dictionary, which document how such idioms are used today.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| A good Samaritan stopped and called an ambulance when the elderly man collapsed on the high street. | Medical emergency |
| Some good Samaritan handed in the wallet I left on the bus — with all the cash still inside. | Lost property |
| She played the good Samaritan and helped the family carry their luggage to the platform. | Travel |
| Good Samaritan laws in many countries protect people who assist accident victims from legal liability. | Legal context |
| A good Samaritan noticed the smoke and raised the alarm before the fire spread. | Community safety |
| Without that good Samaritan who lent us his phone, we'd have been stranded for hours. | Everyday help |
Use It in Conversation
Dialogue Example
Tomas: Did you manage to find your keys in the end?
Anya: Yes! Some good Samaritan handed them in to the cafe where I'd been sitting. I was absolutely relieved.
Tomas: There are still some good people out there, aren't there?
How to Use It
"Good Samaritan" is used as a noun phrase, typically with the indefinite article: "a good Samaritan". It is often used in news reports and personal anecdotes to praise someone's unexpected generosity. Note that "Samaritan" retains its capital letter as it derives from a proper noun. The plural "good Samaritans" is also used when describing multiple helpful individuals.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
A good samaritan helped me.
A good Samaritan helped me. — "Samaritan" is a proper noun and must be capitalised.
He was the good Samaritan of the situation.
He was a good Samaritan in that situation. — Use the indefinite article "a" and "in that situation" reads more naturally.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Want to understand the grammar behind this? Explore our Grammar guides.
Quick Check: Good Samaritan
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “Good Samaritan” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “A _____ stopped and called an ambulance when the elderly man collapsed on the high street.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "good Samaritan" mean?
A "good Samaritan" is a person who voluntarily helps a stranger in need, especially when it involves personal inconvenience or risk. The phrase praises selfless, compassionate behaviour towards others.
Where does "good Samaritan" come from?
The expression comes from the Parable of the Good Samaritan in the New Testament (Luke 10:25–37), in which a Samaritan stops to help an injured stranger that others have ignored. The story became a cornerstone of Western ethics and the phrase entered English as a general term for selfless helpfulness.
Can you give an example of "good Samaritan" in a sentence?
Example: "A good Samaritan stopped to help after the cyclist fell off her bike and couldn't reach her phone." It highlights spontaneous kindness towards a stranger.
Is "good Samaritan" formal or informal?
"Good Samaritan" is neutral in register. It is used in news reports, charity campaigns, legal language (Good Samaritan laws), and everyday conversation. It suits both formal and informal contexts.
What CEFR level is "good Samaritan"?
This expression is typically introduced at B1 (Intermediate) level. Its biblical origin and widespread cultural use make it one of the better-known idioms in English.
What are common mistakes with "good Samaritan"?
"Samaritan" should always be capitalised, as it is a proper noun referring to a people from Samaria. Writing "good samaritan" with a lowercase 's' is technically incorrect, though widely seen in informal writing.
What idioms are similar to "good Samaritan"?
Similar expressions include "do a good turn" (do a kind act for someone), "lend a helping hand" (offer assistance), and "go out of your way" (make a special effort to help someone).
How do I practise idioms like "good Samaritan"?
Try LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards. Practise by narrating stories of people helping strangers, using the idiom naturally in the context.
What are Good Samaritan laws?
Good Samaritan laws are legal protections in many countries that shield people who voluntarily help others in emergencies from being sued if something goes wrong. The phrase has moved from biblical metaphor into formal legal terminology.
Is "good Samaritan" used the same way in British and American English?
Yes, the expression carries the same meaning in both British and American English. Good Samaritan laws exist in both the UK and the US, making the phrase familiar in legal and everyday contexts on both sides of the Atlantic.