Definition of Kiss of death

1. Noun. Something that is ruinous. "If this were known it would be the kiss of death for my political career"


Definition of Kiss of death

1. Noun. A kiss on the cheek that signifies the death of the receiver, as delivered by a mob boss or one with such influence. ¹

2. Noun. (informal idiomatic) Something that may seem good and favourable but that actually brings ruin to hopes, plans, etc. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Kiss Of Death

kiss-off
kiss-offs
kiss-up
kiss-ups
kiss and make up
kiss and ride
kiss and tell
kiss arse
kiss chase
kiss curl
kiss goodbye
kiss me
kiss my arse
kiss of death (current term)
kiss of life
kiss of peace
kiss off
kiss the ground someone walks on
kiss the gunner's daughter
kiss up
kiss up to
kissability
kissable
kissably
kissagram
kissagrams

Literary usage of Kiss of death

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Italian Characters in the Epoch of Unification (1890)
"As glows the falling star, so once again My soul is quickened with rekindled heat, And at the kiss of death through every vein Life's pulses beat. ..."

2. Poems of Human Progress, and Other Pieces: Including One Hundred and Fifteen by James Harcourt West (1914)
"Yes ! but the guest-room — it is Nature's own ; And may it be that she, when ends our breath, Wakes us to Peace with that sweet kiss of Death ? ..."

3. The British Drama: A Collection of the Most Esteemed Tragedies, Comedies (1859)
"And take the kiss of death from my cold lips ! Elw. We soon shall meet in peace. I've but a faint remembrance of the past— Raby. ..."

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