Having misunderstood a phrase that I quoted in an earlier post and having had it explained to me, I wondered if there are other examples where my command of the English language is not as good as I might like to think.
I have often heard it said “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer”
What does this actually mean?
Keeping friends close, I can relate to but why would you want your enemies closer (than your friends)?
I mean how would my friends feel if I had my enemies closer than my friends?
Also, in this situation, how would I even know who my friends are and who my enemies are?
IMO it’s a wise saying that we should keep a close and wise observation of our enemies, to see how their minds are working, what they are up to, and whether they present a threat to us.
@Pea_WoS This saying, “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.” is very simple I have always kept my enemies closer as they are the ones to watch, you need to be aware of their next step. Do you understand it now or are you still confused? Have a great day
At its heart, the phrase is a strategy for power, control, and survival . It suggests that a greater threat can come from someone you underestimate (an enemy at a distance) than from someone you watch carefully. It doesn’t mean you should befriend your enemies or trust them. Instead, it means you should:
Monitor Their Moves
Understand Their Mindset
Neutralize the Threat
Gain an Advantage
In short, it’s about turning your enemy’s biggest advantage—their secrecy and unpredictability—into a weakness.
