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Definition

To betray someone in a seemingly inconspicuous or innocuous manner.

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Origins

The term comes from the Gospel of Luke chapter 22, verse 48 of the New Testament: ⁴⁷ While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. ⁴⁸ But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” The Gospel of Luke, Berean Standard Bible.

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In Context

  • "One man caught on a barbed-wire fence; one man, he resist[s]. One man washed on an empty beach; one man betrayed with a kiss."
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See Also

  • Judas kiss
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Related Idioms

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do the dirty on

To treat (someone) in an unfair manner; to cheat or betray.

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To betray a person; to conspire against someone for personal gain.

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To betray, especially in a manner which causes serious difficulty for …

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To betray a confidence by disclosing private information, especially o…

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like someone owns the place

In a self-important and domineering manner; self-importantly, arrogant…
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