kissing cousin


noun

See under kissing kin.
something closely related or very similar: a textile that is a kissing cousin to nylon.

Origin of kissing cousin

First recorded in 1935–40

Definition for kissing cousins (2 of 2)

kissing kin

noun

any more or less distant kin familiar enough to be greeted with a kiss, as a cousin (kissing cousin).

Idioms and Phrases with kissing cousins

kissing cousins

Two or more things that are closely akin or very similar. For example, They may be made by different manufacturers, but these two cars are kissing cousins. This metaphoric term alludes to a distant relative who is well known enough to be greeted with a kiss. [c. 1930]