ENGLISH
REFERENCE

kiss of life

idiom
Meaning

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.


Examples
SIMPLE

The lifeguard gave the swimmer the kiss of life.

CONTEXTUAL

After the hiker collapsed, his friend performed the kiss of life until the paramedics arrived.

COMPLEX

The emergency responder acted quickly to provide the kiss of life, successfully restoring the victim's breathing before the ambulance reached the scene.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    beg for one's life

    To plead or make a desperate attempt to continue with what one has been doing.

  2. 02

    betray with a kiss

    To betray someone in a seemingly inconspicuous or innocuous manner.

  3. 03

    blow a kiss

    To kiss one's own hand, then blow on it in a direction towards the recipient.

  4. 04

    bread of life

    Anything which is regarded as a source or inspiration of spiritual nourishment.

  5. 05

    bring back to life

    To return someone to a state of consciousness or living after a state of unconsciousness, death or near-death.

  6. 06

    cat and dog life

    An unhappy married life marked by arguments and disagreements.

  7. 07

    change of life

    Menopause.

  8. 08

    charmed life

    A life in which one is always lucky and safe from danger.

Last updated April 17, 2026