ENGLISH
REFERENCE

Johnny Appleseed

idiom
Meaning

A person, usually a male, who is generous, nurturing, and dedicated to positivity and helping others.


Origin

After the American pioneer nurseryman Johnny Appleseed (1774–1845).

Examples
SIMPLE

He is a real Johnny Appleseed who always helps his neighbors.

CONTEXTUAL

Our community garden thrives because of Sarah's brother, a true Johnny Appleseed who spends his weekends teaching kids how to grow vegetables.

COMPLEX

Throughout his long life, the retired teacher acted as a local Johnny Appleseed, quietly planting seeds of knowledge and encouragement in every student he encountered.

Anchors to
Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    rubber johnny

    A condom.

  2. 02

    stage-door Johnny

    A man who is infatuated with one or more theatrical actresses and who routinely lingers in and around theatres in an effort to meet and form relationships with the female(s) of his affection.

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