"Kiss the dust" is an idiomatic expression that is typically used metaphorically to convey defeat, failure, or surrender. When someone "kisses the dust," it implies that they have been overcome or vanquished in a particular situation or endeavor.
The phrase originates from the image of someone falling or being thrown to the ground, and as a result, their face comes into contact with the dust or ground. It suggests a loss of power, control, or superiority, often in a dramatic or decisive manner.
While the exact origin of the phrase is uncertain, it has been used in various contexts, including literature, movies, and everyday conversations, to describe moments of defeat or humiliation. It can be employed figuratively to describe situations where someone's hopes, ambitions, or plans have been dashed, leaving them feeling defeated or powerless.