noun
Rumpelstiltskin
ruhm-puhl-STIHLTS-kihn
noun
1
A classic fairy tale in which a small, mischievous imp spins straw into gold for a miller's daughter, then demands her firstborn child unless she can guess his name.
"The children acted out Rumpelstiltskin for the school play."
"Like Rumpelstiltskin, the deal sounded too good until the price came due."
2
The impish title character of that story.
"Rumpelstiltskin stamped his foot so hard the floor split open."
How to Use Rumpelstiltskin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fairy-tale imp who trades magic for a terrible price, or the story itself — often invoked for any "guess my name/secret" deal.
Memory tip
People use "a Rumpelstiltskin situation" to mean a deal that seems free but has a hidden, steep cost.
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Etymology
From German Rumpelstilzchen; the exact origin of the name is debated, but "rumpel" evokes a rattling, clattering goblin.