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kiss of death

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

Etymology:

  • Biblical: Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss.
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The role in the soap opera was the kiss of death for Ann's career as a theatrical actress.

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Submitted on September 01, 2009

Additional definitions for 'kiss of death':

kiss of deathA kiss on the cheek that signifies the death of the receiver, as delivered by a mob boss or one with such influence.
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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to kiss of death

kiss arsekiss up tokiss and make upkiss updo you kiss your mother with that mouth?hounded me almost to deathkiss something/someone goodbyekiss someone's asskiss someone's ringdeath spirallife-or-deathlife-or-deathkiss and crykiss ass

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