# kiss of death

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/kiss-of-death
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Something that may seem good and favorable but that actually brings ruin to hopes, plans, etc.

## Examples

- That negative review was the kiss of death for the new restaurant.
- The manager's public support for the failing project felt like the kiss of death to the rest of the team.
- Although the senator initially welcomed the endorsement, he soon realized it was the kiss of death among his core supporters.

## Origin

From the Biblical reference that when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, he kissed Jesus.

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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.