His friendly handshake turned out to be a Judas kiss.
a Judas kiss
idiomAn act of betrayal disguised as friendship or affection.
Origin
The phrase comes from the arrest of Jesus in Matthew 26:48–49, echoed in Luke 22:47–48. Judas Iscariot has arranged a signal with the soldiers — the man I kiss is the one — and then greets Jesus with a kiss to mark him out for capture, turning a customary gesture of greeting and respect into the instrument of betrayal.
What makes the image so durable is the perversion of intimacy: the very sign of affection is used to hand a friend over to his enemies.
In English a Judas kiss is any act of treachery wrapped in a show of warmth or loyalty — the smile, the embrace, the reassurance offered by someone who is at that moment selling you out.
The glowing public endorsement was a Judas kiss; behind the scenes he was already briefing against her.
The partner's warm reassurances in the boardroom were a Judas kiss, delivered with perfect sincerity even as the paperwork that would force the founder out sat signed and waiting in his desk drawer.
The betrayal, trial and crucifixion.
- 01
wash your hands of it (idiom)
To publicly refuse any further responsibility for something or someone.
- 02
thirty pieces of silver (idiom)
A contemptible price paid or accepted for an act of betrayal.
- 03
doubting Thomas (idiom)
One who requires proof before believing.
- 04
a cross to bear (idiom)
A heavy, ongoing personal burden or difficulty that one must carry.
- 05
a crown of thorns (idiom)
An honour or position that brings suffering rather than glory.
- 06
give up the ghost (idiom)
To cease clinging to life; to die.