Play GamesMy progressVocabulary testSettings
en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

Please, sign up or log in to not lose your learning progress!

Explaining "False friends are worse than open enemies"

Reviewed and edited by Anwar Kareem 04/11/2024, 07:53
English.me team member

What does it mean?

False friends are worse than open enemies

The phrase means that people who pretend to be your friends but secretly wish you harm or act against your interests are more dangerous than those who admit to being your enemies.

Tone

Cautionary

Origin

The phrase has its roots in proverbial wisdom and has been expressed in various forms throughout history. It emphasizes the dangers of deceit and the value of honest relationships.

Examples of usage

  • After the betrayal, Sarah realized that false friends are worse than open enemies.
  • Thinking of her colleague's sabotage, it hit her that false friends are indeed worse than open enemies.
  • In his speech, he warned against insincere alliances, stating, "False friends are worse than open enemies."

Recommended posts in Phrases

Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones

Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones

The phrase means that people who are vulnerable to criticism ... Learn more →

Do not judge a book by its cover

Do not judge a book by its cover

The phrase means that you should not form an opinion ... Learn more →

First things first

First things first

The phrase "First things first" means prioritizing the most important ... Learn more →

Money does not grow on trees

Money does not grow on trees

The phrase means that money is not easy to come ... Learn more →