the enemy of (your|my) enemy is (your|my) friend
1
used to suggest that in certain situations, it may be advantageous to form an alliance with someone who is not on friendly terms with you, as long as you both share a common enemy
The origin of the proverb "the enemy of your enemy is your friend" is often traced back to ancient military and political strategies, though it does not have a specific, singular origin in historical texts. It highlights the idea of using mutual interests or threats to create temporary partnerships, even if these alliances are based on practicality rather than true friendship. The proverb underscores the strategic nature of alliances in times of conflict or competition, emphasizing that shared interests can sometimes overcome previous differences.
- In politics, it's often true that the enemy of your enemy is your friend, and we see strange alliances formed for short-term gain.