Kill somebody/something with kindness

usgb
phrase

To be extremely kind to someone so that they feel overwhelmed or unable to respond negatively.

She was being quite rude, but I decided to kill her with kindness instead of arguing.
Visual representation of "kill somebody/something with kindness" - To be extremely kind to someone so that they feel overwhelmed or unable to respond negatively

Often appears as...

  • deciding to kill someone with kindness
  • kill them with kindness

Usage tips

Approving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "kill somebody/something with kindness"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Not Literal

The phrase is figurative, meaning you 'kill' negativity or unkindness with your excessive goodness.

Illustration for Not Literal
Even when they spread rumors, she would just kill them with kindness.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Positive Tactic

It's used as a strategy to disarm someone's hostility without being aggressive.

Illustration for Positive Tactic
He was yelling, but I just smiled and offered help — kill them with kindness, right?
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Power

The phrase suggests a subtle strength in being kind in the face of rudeness or hostility.

Illustration for Subtle Power
Everyone was losing their patience, but she decided to kill the tension with kindness.
Visual representation of the word "Kill somebody/something with kindness"

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