kill sb with kindness

Definition & Meaning of "[kill] {sb} with kindness"

to kill sb with kindness

to make someone feel extreme discomfort by helping them, being really generous, or by treating them too kindly, particularly someone who did one wrong

What is the origin of the idiom "kill someone with kindness" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "kill someone with kindness" is not precisely documented, but it likely stems from the idea that excessive kindness or niceness, when insincere or used as a form of manipulation or passive aggression, can have an overwhelming or negative effect on a person. It may be traced back to observations of human behavior and interactions, where individuals may employ excessive kindness as a way to irritate, confuse, or disarm someone with whom they have a disagreement or conflict. It is used when someone aims to diffuse tension, resolve conflicts, or address stubbornness or hostility through an overwhelming display of niceness.

Example

When faced with a difficult customer, the experienced waitress chose to kill them with kindness, ensuring their dining experience was impeccable despite the initial complaints.