1
general::
An action or relationship that is ultimately ruinous. For example, Some regard a royal divorce as a kiss of death to the monarchy. This term alludes to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, who kissed him as a way of identifying him to the soldiers who came to arrest him (Matthew 26: 47-49). It dates only from about 1940 but was previously called a Judas kiss. kiss off 1. Dismiss or reject, as in He kissed off their offer. This usage alludes to kissing something goodbye [Slang; c. 1900] 2. Be forced to give up or regard as lost, as in You can kiss off that promotion. [Slang; late 1940s] 3. Get out, go away, as in She told the reporters to kiss off. [Slang; early 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): the kiss of death
Fig. an act that puts an end to someone or something. • The mayor’s veto was the kiss of death for the new law. • Fainting on stage was the kiss of death for my acting career.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs