The kiss of life
noun
An act of breathing into a person's mouth to make them begin to breathe again or to fill their lungs with air when they cannot breathe on their own. It's like what people do in emergency medical situations to try to save someone's life.
The lifeguard pulled the drowning man from the water and immediately began to give him the kiss of life.
Often appears as...
- give someone the kiss of life
- receive the kiss of life
noun
Something that helps to revive or rejuvenate a person, career, or project that is failing or in difficulty.
The new investment was like the kiss of life for the struggling company.
Often appears as...
- give something the kiss of life
- receive the kiss of life
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
An act of breathing into a person's mouth to make them begin to breathe again or to fill their lungs with air when they cannot breathe on their own. It's like what people do in emergency medical situations to try to save someone's life.
The lifeguard pulled the drowning man from the water and immediately began to give him the kiss of life.
Often appears as...
- give someone the kiss of life
- receive the kiss of life
noun
Something that helps to revive or rejuvenate a person, career, or project that is failing or in difficulty.
The new investment was like the kiss of life for the struggling company.
Often appears as...
- give something the kiss of life
- receive the kiss of life
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emergency Use
It refers specifically to a life-saving technique, often used in critical, urgent situations.
He was unconscious, so the paramedic gave him the kiss of life.
Pro Tip 2/3Literal Action
It involves actual physical contact and the act of breathing into someone's mouth.
After the accident, the woman received the kiss of life from a bystander.
Pro Tip 3/3Medical Relevance
Used in medical contexts or discussions about lifesaving techniques.
In first aid training, you'll learn how to perform the kiss of life.
Pro Tip 1/3Emergency Use
It refers specifically to a life-saving technique, often used in critical, urgent situations.
He was unconscious, so the paramedic gave him the kiss of life.
Pro Tip 2/3Literal Action
It involves actual physical contact and the act of breathing into someone's mouth.
After the accident, the woman received the kiss of life from a bystander.
Pro Tip 3/3Medical Relevance
Used in medical contexts or discussions about lifesaving techniques.
In first aid training, you'll learn how to perform the kiss of life.
Pro Tip 1/3Emergency Use
It refers specifically to a life-saving technique, often used in critical, urgent situations.
He was unconscious, so the paramedic gave him the kiss of life.
Pro Tip 2/3Literal Action
It involves actual physical contact and the act of breathing into someone's mouth.
After the accident, the woman received the kiss of life from a bystander.
Pro Tip 3/3Medical Relevance
Used in medical contexts or discussions about lifesaving techniques.
In first aid training, you'll learn how to perform the kiss of life.
Never forget "The kiss of life"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension