keep your friends close and your enemies closer - Definition & Meaning

used to advise one to maintain a close relationship with enemies or competitors in order to stay informed about their actions and intentionsused to advise one to maintain a close relationship with enemies or competitors in order to stay informed about their actions and intentions

The proverb "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" is often attributed to military strategists like Sun Tzu or political thinkers such as Niccolò Machiavelli. However, there is no definitive evidence that either used this exact wording in their writings. It suggests that by keeping a watchful eye on opponents, one can anticipate their moves, protect oneself from potential threats, and even use the information to one's advantage. The saying highlights the strategic value of awareness and control in dealing with adversaries.The proverb "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" is often attributed to military strategists like Sun Tzu or political thinkers such as Niccolò Machiavelli. However, there is no definitive evidence that either used this exact wording in their writings. It suggests that by keeping a watchful eye on opponents, one can anticipate their moves, protect oneself from potential threats, and even use the information to one's advantage. The saying highlights the strategic value of awareness and control in dealing with adversaries.

Examples