to keep a keen eye on enemies beyond what one might have on their friends
to be vigilant about the actions taken by enemies
it’s not a good idea to bother your enemies, be friendly with them but stay alert
another meaning could be, don’t hurt for your enemies by speech or behaviour to keep them calm and harmless
As a politician you must keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
The competition in the business world today is such that it is best to keep your friends close and your enemies closer
She has asked you to keep your friends close and your enemies closer because she has some reason to suspect foul play. She has not given me any more information.
I have, in my life, always kept my friends close and my enemies closer.
To keep your friends close and your enemies closer is just good sense in competitive sports. You never know what is going on behind your back.
There is no origin for this idiom
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definition
Common phrase that has a specific meaning.