kiss of death

English

Etymology

Biblical: Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss.

Noun

kiss of death (plural kisses of death)

  1. A kiss on the cheek that signifies the death of the receiver, as delivered by a mob boss or one with such influence.
  2. (informal, idiomatic) Something that may seem good and favourable but that actually brings ruin to hopes, plans, etc.
    The role in the soap opera was the kiss of death for Ann's career as a theatrical actress.

See also
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