What does “A friend’s frown is better than a foe’s smile.” mean?
"A friend's frown is better than a foe's smile" means that it is preferable to receive criticism or disapproval from a true friend than to receive false praise or flattery from an enemy. This proverb suggests that a friend who frowns may be trying to correct or guide you, whereas an enemy who smiles may be concealing ulterior motives or seeking to deceive you.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I appreciate my friend's honesty, even if it comes in the form of a frown. A friend's frown is better than a foe's smile.
Example
I'd rather have a friend who tells me the truth, even if it's not what I want to hear. A friend's frown is better than a foe's smile.
Example
I trust my friend's judgment because they are not afraid to frown at me when I'm wrong. *A friend's frown is better than a foe's smile.
Is “A friend’s frown is better than a foe’s smile.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A friend’s frown is better than a foe’s smile.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A friend’s frown is better than a foe’s smile.” effectively in context?
You can use "A friend's frown is better than a foe's smile" to emphasize the importance of honesty and genuine friendship. It suggests that it is better to have a friend who may not always be happy or supportive, but is honest and has your best interests at heart, rather than having an enemy who pretends to be friendly but has ulterior motives. For example, if someone is trying to convince you to trust a suspicious person, you might say, 'I'd rather have a friend's frown than a foe's smile. I value honesty and genuine intentions.'
- 1Friendship
I may not always agree with my friend, but a friend's frown is better than a foe's smile. At least I know they are being honest with me.
- 2Trust
I'd rather have a friend who tells me the truth, even if it means they are frowning. After all, a friend's frown is better than a foe's smile.
- 3Honesty
Sometimes, a friend's frown can be a sign of concern or disagreement. But I still value their honesty because a friend's frown is better than a foe's smile.
Similar phrases to “A friend’s frown is better than a foe’s smile.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A friend’s frown is better than a foe’s smile.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A friend's frown is better than a foe's smile" is unknown.
Is “A friend’s frown is better than a foe’s smile.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "A friend's frown is better than a foe's smile" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to more popular proverbs. However, it is still recognized and understood by English speakers.
What tone does “A friend’s frown is better than a foe’s smile.” have?
"A friend's frown is better than a foe's smile" conveys a tone of wisdom and appreciation for genuine friendship. It highlights the value of honesty and true intentions in relationships.
Can “A friend’s frown is better than a foe’s smile.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "A friend's frown is better than a foe's smile" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a proverb that conveys a universal message about the importance of honesty and genuine friendship. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, speeches, or writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I appreciate my friend's honesty. A friend's frown is better than a foe's smile.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "a friend's frown is better than a foe's smile"!' to remind someone about the importance of genuine friendship.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- true friends are better than false friends
- honesty is more valuable than deceitful kindness
- genuine concern is preferable to fake smiles
- a loyal friend is worth more than a deceptive acquaintance
Antonyms
- a foe's smile is worse than a friend's frown
- deceptive kindness is worse than genuine concern
- false friends are worse than true friends
- a deceptive acquaintance is worth less than a loyal friend
