loyal enemy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loyal enemy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person or group that, despite being an adversary, shows a sense of loyalty or respect towards the other party. Example: "In the world of politics, he was often referred to as a loyal enemy, always opposing his rivals but never resorting to underhanded tactics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A Pashtun can be your most loyal friend, but also your most loyal enemy with a temper for vengeance should you mistreat him.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As she has flitted from magazine to magazine, newspaper to newspaper and back again (the Guardian included), she has acquired loyal fans and loyal enemies too, people who read to mock.

The Guardian

I used to teach my students to respect the political principle of the "loyal opposition," where "my opponent is my opponent, not my enemy".

Huffington Post

It required loyal opposition.

The New Yorker

He is like an algorithm cycling through a set of durable themes: Nobody believed in me; always be loyal; my enemies are out to get me; we should be together; I've tried to be faithful, but I just can't.

The New Yorker

He does not mention that his fighters, like those loyal to his enemy, former President Charles G. Taylor, have been accused of widespread rape.

The New York Times

The act's silence on nearly all interpretative matters placed the awesome responsibility of defining the terms "loyal Confederate" and "alien enemy" entirely in the hands of local sequestration officials.

The New York Times

Stuart would fly in to a meeting with an ice manufacturer, briskly describe the Ice Factory as a loyal friend and fearsome enemy, and explain the comforts of living under the Packaged Ice umbrella: the owner could stay on, but without the nuisances of payroll, taxes, and insurance.

The New Yorker

A complex personality, Gudrun had her highs and her lows, loyal friends and implacable enemies.

The Guardian

These same drug profits will keep them loyal to Nato's enemies as long as the alliance remains committed to destroying their livelihood.

The Guardian - Opinion

Trump's attacks on the media and the left can be seen as a way of keeping this group loyal by defining common enemies.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loyal enemy" to describe someone who opposes you but still adheres to certain principles or demonstrates a surprising degree of respect or predictability.

Common error

Avoid using "loyal enemy" when you simply mean a strong or persistent opponent. The phrase implies an unexpected element of allegiance or adherence to certain rules despite the opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loyal enemy" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "loyal" modifies the noun "enemy". As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes an adversary who, despite their opposition, exhibits some form of allegiance or predictable behavior.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loyal enemy" describes an opponent who, despite their antagonism, displays some form of allegiance, predictable behaviour, or respect. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct, though rare. It functions as a noun phrase and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While seemingly contradictory, the phrase effectively highlights a complex relationship where opposition and a degree of allegiance coexist. If you aim to express a combination of opposition and respect, then "loyal enemy" might be appropriate. If you need some alternatives "faithful opponent" is a good choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faithful opponent

Emphasizes the reliability and adherence to rules or principles even in opposition.

steadfast adversary

Highlights the unwavering nature of the opposition.

principled rival

Focuses on the ethical or moral code that guides the rivalry.

honorable foe

Stresses the respect and admiration held for the opponent, despite being on opposite sides.

dutiful antagonist

Implies a sense of obligation or responsibility driving the opposition.

consistent detractor

Highlights the predictable and unwavering nature of the criticism.

dedicated competitor

Focuses on the commitment and resolve within a competitive context.

reliable nemesis

Implies a dependable and constant source of opposition or challenge.

true to type antagonist

Suggests that the antagonist is predictable

allegiant opposition

The opposition is consistent with a pledge of allegiance, this does not imply full allegiance to the counterpart's cause but more to an idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "loyal enemy" to describe someone who is an opponent but still shows a sense of loyalty or respect. For example: "He was often called a "loyal enemy", always opposing his rivals but never resorting to underhanded tactics".

What does it mean to be a "loyal enemy"?

Being a "loyal enemy" implies that even though someone is your opponent, they still adhere to certain principles, show respect, or act predictably in their opposition. It suggests a surprising level of integrity or consistency in their antagonism.

What are some alternatives to saying "loyal enemy"?

Alternatives to "loyal enemy" include "faithful opponent", "steadfast adversary", or "principled rival", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is the phrase "loyal enemy" an oxymoron?

Yes, "loyal enemy" can be considered an oxymoron because loyalty and enmity are typically opposing concepts. However, its use highlights the unexpected combination of opposition and adherence to certain principles.