My enemy’s enemy is my friend. vs The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Both phrases are correct and convey the same meaning. They are variations of a popular proverb that suggests forming alliances with those who share a common enemy. The choice between 'my enemy’s enemy' and 'the enemy of my enemy' is a matter of personal preference or style.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 921 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It conveys the idea of forming alliances based on a shared enemy.

"My enemy’s enemy is my friend."

This phrase is used to express the concept that someone who is against your enemy can be considered a friend or ally. It implies the potential for cooperation with those who have a common adversary.

Examples:

I may not like him, but my enemy’s enemy is my friend in this situation.
Remember, in politics, the principle of 'my enemy’s enemy is my friend' often applies.
She decided to team up with her rival because, as they say, my enemy’s enemy is my friend.
It's a classic strategy to consider the saying 'my enemy’s enemy is my friend' when dealing with conflicts.
Sometimes, it's wise to remember that my enemy’s enemy is my friend and act accordingly.

Show examples from the web [+]

You ever heard the expression "My enemy's enemy is my friend"?
You know - the enemy of my enemy is often considered my friend.
"enemy of my enemy is my friend" thing feels kind of like a demon deal.
Look, Dean, this whole "enemy of my enemy is my friend" thing feels kind of like a demon deal.
If the enemy of my enemy is my friend, I should be rooting for the men who want Isaak dead.
I'm not aligning with him, I'm using him. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
So I'm operating on the premise that my enemy's enemy can be my friend.
It's a classic case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend: While Intel and AMD are rivals when it comes to processors, they both have a common target in Nvidia when it comes to computer graphics.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend, right?
We continue to follow and implement the principle that the enemy of my enemy is automatically my friend.
I am no enemy to Mrs Weston, but Denise is my friend.
My friend's friend is no more trustworthy than my enemy's enemy.
The enemies of my enemies are my friends.
And so, my enemy would become my friend.
The point is to hide from my enemies, not my friends.
The point is to hide from my enemies, not my friends.
Or maybe it's just what I do... kill my enemies, sometimes my friends.
You sure seemed like my enemy when you were killing my friends.
Jason is my friend. I do not sell my friends.
And who knows, maybe in the future, my enemies will become my friends.

Alternatives:

the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

This phrase is also correct and commonly used in English. It conveys the same idea as the other version of the proverb.

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. "

This phrase is used to express the concept of forming alliances with those who share a common enemy. It implies the potential for cooperation with individuals who are opposed to a mutual adversary.

Examples:

In times of conflict, it's often beneficial to remember that the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
She decided to collaborate with her competitor because, as they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
The saying 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' highlights the strategic value of forming alliances based on shared enemies.
When facing challenges, it's wise to consider the principle that the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Remember, in certain situations, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, and it's essential to leverage such alliances.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm not aligning with him, I'm using him. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
You know - the enemy of my enemy is often considered my friend.
We continue to follow and implement the principle that the enemy of my enemy is automatically my friend.
If the enemy of my enemy is my friend, I should be rooting for the men who want Isaak dead.
"enemy of my enemy is my friend" thing feels kind of like a demon deal.
Look, Dean, this whole "enemy of my enemy is my friend" thing feels kind of like a demon deal.
It's a classic case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend: While Intel and AMD are rivals when it comes to processors, they both have a common target in Nvidia when it comes to computer graphics.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend, right?
The enemies of my enemies are my friends.
Friends can be enemies, and enemies friends.
The enemy of my enemy is my new partner.
friends become enemies and enemies become friends.
The enemy of my enemy is you.
The enemy of my enemy is who I'm voting for on November 8th.
In this case, the enemy of my enemy is my ally.
The enemy of my enemy, Watson.
The enemy of my enemy and all that.
The enemies of my friends are my enemies!
You ever heard the expression "My enemy's enemy is my friend"?
"enemy of my enemy is my lover" kind of way.

Alternatives:

my enemy’s enemy is my friend.

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My enemy’s enemy is my friend. vs The enemy of my enemy is my friend.