Judas kiss

/dʒˈuːdəz kˈɪs/

[noun]

Judas kiss

[NOUN]

an act that seems kind but with the intention of betraying someone

What is the origin of the idiom "Judas kiss" and when to use it?

The idiom"Judas kiss" refers to a deceitful act of apparent friendship or loyalty that is actually a betrayal. It derives from the biblical story of Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, who famously betrayed Jesus with a kiss, leading to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. In the New Testament of the Bible, in the Gospel of Matthew 26:48-50, it is written: "Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, 'Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.' Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, 'Hail, Rabbi!' and kissed Him." This act of betrayal with a kiss has since become a symbol of treachery and deception. This idiomatic expression is used to describe any action or gesture that appears friendly or affectionate on the surface but is intended to deceive or betray someone.

Examples

1. There is no treason like that of your own body turning against itself-- a Benedict Arnold with a bayonette in your bloodstream, a Judas kissing your kidneys goodbye for 30 pieces of silver.