the kiss of life

the kiss of life

Artificial respiration, that is, the blowing into the mouth of a person who has stopped breathing so as to force air in and out of their lungs. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. I was a lifeguard at the local pool for five years, but I've only had to give the kiss of life to someone once.See also: kiss, life, of

kiss of life

1 mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. 2 an action or event that revives a failing enterprise. 2 1997 Anthony Barnett This Time She gave a decrepit institution the kiss of life, when she became its adversary. See also: kiss, life, of

the kiss of ˈlife

(British English)
1 a method of helping somebody who has stopped breathing to breathe again by placing your mouth on theirs and forcing air into their lungs: He gave the child the kiss of life, but unfortunately it was too late to save her.
2 any thing or action that saves an organization, business, etc: This loan is the kiss of life that our company needs.See also: kiss, life, of