IdiomDaily LifeFrench

Un baiser de Judas

Meaning: A show of affection that conceals a betrayal.

Literally: A kiss of Judas

Example: “Ses félicitations publiques n'étaient qu'un baiser de Judas.” — His public congratulations were nothing but a Judas kiss.

English equivalent: A Judas kiss

Equivalents in other languages

Origin: From the Gospels, where Judas identifies Jesus to the soldiers by greeting him with a kiss. The image endures because the sign of friendship is itself the instrument of the betrayal.

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