# betray with a kiss

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/betray-with-a-kiss
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To betray someone in a seemingly inconspicuous or innocuous manner.

## Examples

- He smiled and betrayed her with a kiss.
- The politician shook his rival's hand and offered a friendly smile, only to betray him with a kiss by leaking his private emails.
- The manager praised my hard work during the meeting, but she betrayed me with a kiss by secretly recommending my colleague for the promotion instead.
- The advisor offered words of comfort and a warm embrace, yet he ultimately betrayed his king with a kiss by orchestrating the palace coup.

## Origin

From the Gospel of Luke, chapter 22, in the New Testament. The phrase originates in verse 47 and 48, which record a crowd led by Judas, one of the Twelve. Judas approached Jesus to kiss Him, an act of greeting that served as a signal for arrest. In the Berean Standard Bible, the account notes that While He was still speaking, the betrayal occurred. Jesus asked the man, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" The question highlights the use of a gesture of affection to facilitate a capture, marking the transition of the kiss from a social formality to a tactical instrument.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.