kiss of death

Definition

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

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

• "The role in the soap opera was the kiss of death for Ann's career as a theatrical actress."
• "Confronted with the savage defenses, many of the Japanese pilots flinched. Failure to hold formation was the kiss of death. As they reached the crucial moment of decision—push ahead and drop the torpedo, or lose nerve and turn away—most chose the latter. Turning, they lost airspeed and showed their bellies to the hungry Navy gunners, and that was it. The twenties and forties lit them like fuses. The five-inch guns "seemed to literally hammer them down," Captain Hoover of the Helena remarked."