The kiss of death

noun

An action or event that causes certain failure.

His poor performance in the debate was the kiss of death for his political career.
Visual representation of "the kiss of death" - An action or event that causes certain failure.

Usage tips

Idiomatic

noun

Something that brings harm or destruction.

For a new business, poor customer service can be the kiss of death.
Visual representation of "the kiss of death" - Something that brings harm or destruction.

Usage tips

Idiomatic

noun

A sign of impending failure or disaster.

Lack of investors is often the kiss of death for start-ups.
Visual representation of "the kiss of death" - A sign of impending failure or disaster.

Usage tips

Idiomatic

noun

An action or event that causes certain failure.

His poor performance in the debate was the kiss of death for his political career.
Visual representation of "the kiss of death" - An action or event that causes certain failure.

Usage tips

Idiomatic

noun

Something that brings harm or destruction.

For a new business, poor customer service can be the kiss of death.
Visual representation of "the kiss of death" - Something that brings harm or destruction.

Usage tips

Idiomatic

noun

A sign of impending failure or disaster.

Lack of investors is often the kiss of death for start-ups.
Visual representation of "the kiss of death" - A sign of impending failure or disaster.

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "the kiss of death"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Outcome

Use when actions lead directly to failure, not just a small setback.

Illustration for Negative Outcome
Missing that deadline was the kiss of death for their project.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Final Blow

Emphasizes the last in a series of events that causes complete failure.

Illustration for Final Blow
The negative review was the kiss of death to the restaurant's reputation.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphoric Use

Not a physical kiss, but symbolic of a destructive action or event.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
His endorsement turned out to be the kiss of death in the election.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Outcome

Use when actions lead directly to failure, not just a small setback.

Illustration for Negative Outcome
Missing that deadline was the kiss of death for their project.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Final Blow

Emphasizes the last in a series of events that causes complete failure.

Illustration for Final Blow
The negative review was the kiss of death to the restaurant's reputation.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphoric Use

Not a physical kiss, but symbolic of a destructive action or event.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
His endorsement turned out to be the kiss of death in the election.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Outcome

Use when actions lead directly to failure, not just a small setback.

Illustration for Negative Outcome
Missing that deadline was the kiss of death for their project.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Final Blow

Emphasizes the last in a series of events that causes complete failure.

Illustration for Final Blow
The negative review was the kiss of death to the restaurant's reputation.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphoric Use

Not a physical kiss, but symbolic of a destructive action or event.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
His endorsement turned out to be the kiss of death in the election.
Visual representation of the word "The kiss of death"

Never forget "The kiss of death"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top