keep your friends close and your enemies closer

/kˈiːp jɔː fɹˈɛndz klˈəʊs and jɔːɹ ˈɛnəmɪz klˈəʊsə/

/kˈiːp jʊɹ fɹˈɛndz klˈoʊs ænd jʊɹ ˈɛnəmɪz klˈoʊsɚ/

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

Examples

1. The business owner who was worried about a competitor stealing their ideas decided to partner with them on a project and monitor their actions, as the saying goes, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

2. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

3. This is a GUY referred to the West Wing Democrats very Der Izively and tell me what that means and who has the most to LOSE and worry about with HIM on the OUTSIDE, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

4. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer!