What does “False friends are worse than open enemies.” mean?
"False friends are worse than open enemies" means it is better to know who your enemies are than to trust someone who claims to be a friend but is deceitful or untrustworthy.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I would rather have open enemies than false friends. False friends are worse than open enemies.
Example
It's important to be cautious of people who pretend to be your friends but are actually deceitful. False friends are worse than open enemies.
Example
Sometimes it's better to have clear enemies than to be betrayed by someone you thought was a friend. *False friends are worse than open enemies.
Is “False friends are worse than open enemies.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“False friends are worse than open enemies.” 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 “False friends are worse than open enemies.” effectively in context?
You can use "False friends are worse than open enemies" to emphasize the importance of being cautious and discerning when it comes to friendships. It suggests that it is better to know who your enemies are than to trust someone who claims to be a friend but is deceitful or untrustworthy. For example, if a friend is considering confiding in someone they suspect might not have their best interests at heart, you might say, 'Be careful. False friends are worse than open enemies.'
- 1Friendship
She learned the hard way that false friends are worse than open enemies when her supposed friend spread rumors about her.
- 2Trust
After being betrayed by someone she considered a friend, she realized that false friends are worse than open enemies.
- 3Caution
He decided to distance himself from a person he suspected of being deceitful, remembering that false friends are worse than open enemies.
Similar phrases to “False friends are worse than open enemies.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “False friends are worse than open enemies.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "False friends are worse than open enemies" is unknown.
Is “False friends are worse than open enemies.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "False friends are worse than open enemies" is not as commonly used in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs or idioms. However, it is still known and understood by English speakers.
What tone does “False friends are worse than open enemies.” have?
"False friends are worse than open enemies" conveys a tone of caution and skepticism. It warns against blindly trusting those who claim to be friends but may have ulterior motives.
Can “False friends are worse than open enemies.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "False friends are worse than open enemies" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a proverb that highlights an important life lesson and can be applied to various situations. It can be used in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal discussions or writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She learned the hard way that false friends are worse than open enemies.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, false friends are worse than open enemies.' to imply the need for caution.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- beware of false friends
- deceitful friends are worse than enemies
- don't trust a wolf in sheep's clothing
- a false friend is more dangerous than an open enemy
- watch out for fake friends
Antonyms
- true friends are better than open enemies
- honest friends are preferable to deceitful enemies
- trustworthy friends are superior to false enemies
- genuine friendship is stronger than enmity
- a loyal friend is worth more than a declared enemy
