longstanding enemy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longstanding enemy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an adversary or opponent that has existed for a long time, often in a context of conflict or rivalry. Example: "The two nations have been longstanding enemies, with tensions dating back centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Clarke is a longstanding enemy of Brown's and he has often criticised the prime minister.

The Guardian

His plan envisions persuading Pakistan to stop focusing military resources on its longstanding enemy, India, so it can concentrate more on battling insurgents in its lawless tribal regions.

The New York Times

North Korea will cancel its annual "anti-US imperialism" rally, part of a growing detente with its longstanding enemy as the two countries negotiate over the fate of the North's nuclear weapons program.

The Guardian

The US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 – which hugely increased Iran's influence in the region by removing a longstanding enemy, Saddam Hussein's Sunni-dominated regime – came a year after the exposure of a secret uranium enrichment facility revealed that Iran had not abandoned its nuclear ambitions.

The Guardian

But many Pakistan watchers have argued that in recent years a new consensus has been forming within military circles, which increasingly see the fight against domestic terrorism as more important to the country's survival than its traditional efforts to dominate Afghanistan and protect against the perceived threat from longstanding enemy India.

The Guardian

No-one is claiming responsibility for these attacks but Iran blames its longstanding enemy, Israel, and occasionally the US.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict seems as distant as ever, yet Israel has somehow grown close to longstanding enemies such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The Guardian

But in addition to the expected challenges from marginalized groups and longstanding enemies of the government, there has been loud criticism from younger members of the Sudanese Islamic Movement, an organization that represents the Islamist core of the governing National Congress Party.

The New York Times

The two sides, longstanding enemies that fought one of Africa's longest and costliest civil wars, have been at odds for decades, and South Sudan halted oil production in January 2012 in a dispute with Sudan over transportation fees.

The New York Times

In an unusually forthcoming interview with the Korean Central News Agency (K.C.N.A ., Kim said it was "hurtful" that the Republicans would send a letter to one of the United States' most longstanding enemies while "totally snubbing" another.

The New Yorker

The move by Germany and other nations to place disarmament high in the strategic concept comports with President Barack Obama's declared goal of eventually abolishing nuclear weapons, but it also exposes a rift between European nations that want to rid the Continent of atomic arms and those that want to keep them both for prestige and as a deterrent to longstanding enemies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional tone when using "longstanding enemy". It implies a deep-seated and potentially bitter rivalry, so ensure this aligns with the overall message you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "longstanding enemy" repetitively within the same text. Variety in phrasing maintains reader engagement and prevents the writing from sounding monotonous. Consider alternatives like "chronic adversary" or "historic adversary" to add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longstanding enemy" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "longstanding" modifies the noun "enemy". It describes a relationship characterized by prolonged animosity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "longstanding enemy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a person, group, or nation involved in a prolonged hostile relationship. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is most commonly found in news media, signifying a neutral register suitable for serious discussions about enduring conflicts. While semantically similar alternatives exist such as "chronic adversary" and "enduring foe", using "longstanding enemy" effectively requires ensuring clarity and context to highlight the duration and nature of the animosity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chronic adversary

Focuses on the persistent nature of the opposition.

enduring foe

Emphasizes the lasting quality of the antagonism.

perennial rival

Highlights the recurring nature of the rivalry.

traditional antagonist

Indicates a customary or established opposition.

historic adversary

Stresses the historical depth of the conflict.

age-old nemesis

Implies a very old and significant rivalry.

inveterate opponent

Suggests a deeply ingrained and habitual opposition.

long-term competitor

Focuses on competition over an extended period.

deep-seated animosity

Highlights the intensity and entrenchment of the ill-feeling.

old-fashioned feud

Suggests a long-running and perhaps outdated conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "longstanding enemy" in a sentence?

You can use "longstanding enemy" to describe a person, group, or nation that has been an enemy for a long time. For instance, "The two countries have been "longstanding enemies", engaged in conflicts for centuries".

What are some alternatives to "longstanding enemy"?

Alternatives include "chronic adversary", "enduring foe", "perennial rival", and "historic adversary". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "long-standing enemy" or "longstanding enemy" more correct?

"Longstanding enemy" is generally preferred and more common. "Long-standing enemy" with a hyphen is also acceptable but less frequently used. Both forms are grammatically valid.

What's the difference between "longstanding enemy" and "political opponent"?

"Longstanding enemy" implies a deep-seated and often hostile relationship, potentially involving conflicts. "Political opponent", on the other hand, refers to someone who opposes you politically, without necessarily implying deep animosity or conflict. A political opponent may be a "longstanding enemy", but not always.