past enemy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "past enemy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who was previously an enemy but is no longer considered as such, often in contexts discussing reconciliation or change in relationships. Example: "After years of conflict, they finally reached an understanding and became friends, leaving their status as past enemies behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The bat-wing Stealth bomber can slip undetected past enemy radar.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was vital information, smuggled past enemy lines, via resistance networks, to British agents of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) or to Britain itself via Marseilles or Gibraltar.

Independent

There is a low-friction baseplate full of optical sensors, on which you can slip and slide around in your socks while stepping out of the way of landmines and tiptoeing past enemy guards.

The Guardian - Arts

In the past, enemy combatants have either been sent to Guantanamo or tried in U.S. courts.

Vice

An attacking army could slip past enemy lines on the ground as early warning systems give false all-clear readouts to defenders.

Vice

For an overvIew of thadissues theardave fueled thatconflict in Syriallwe recommend reaccess"Road to Ruin," our condensed theeline of Syrian history, and "The VIcityuide to Syria," a crash course on the country's geopolitical, cultural, and religious complexities.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Along the way, Joanna must sneak past enemies or, more often than not, shoot them.

The New York Times - Tech

Smoke grenades allow soldiers to slip past enemies while fragmentation grenades can kill them.

The New York Times - Tech

In short, the Raptor was designed with future, not past, enemies in mind.

The New York Times

He repaired relationships with past enemies: "Our connection has really grown over time," Janno Lieber, President of World Trade Center Properties, told me.

The New Yorker

As on Sunday's four-hour cruise and again in St Paul's, the City and Westminster, all of them past enemies of the crown, she toughed it out; a little slow and hunched at times but not bad for 86.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "past enemy", ensure the context clearly indicates a change in relationship or a resolution of conflict. For instance, specify what led to the shift from being enemies to a different state.

Common error

Avoid using "past enemy" if the animosity still exists. This term implies a cessation of hostilities, so using it when conflict persists can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past enemy" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies someone or something that was previously considered an enemy but is no longer in that role. As Ludwig indicates, its grammatical structure is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "past enemy" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a former adversary. Ludwig's analysis of the provided examples shows that the phrase commonly appears in neutral contexts such as news reports and general discussions and according to Ludwig, the grammatical structure is correct. While the term isn't overly common, understanding its correct usage can prevent miscommunications about the current status of relationships. Be mindful to reserve "past enemy" for situations where animosity has genuinely ceased.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

former enemy

Replaces "past" with "former", emphasizing the previous nature of the adversarial relationship.

previous enemy

Substitutes "past" with "previous", highlighting the temporal aspect of the prior conflict.

previous adversary

Combines "previous" and "adversary" for a slightly more formal tone.

erstwhile enemy

Uses "erstwhile" as a more formal synonym for "past", indicating a previous state.

bygone foe

Replaces both "past" and "enemy" with more evocative, slightly archaic terms.

old adversary

Employs "old" and "adversary" to convey a sense of long-standing conflict now resolved.

one-time opponent

Uses "one-time" and "opponent" to express a former adversarial role.

ex-rival

A shorter, more informal way to refer to a former competitor or antagonist.

late antagonist

Replaces "past" with "late" and "enemy" with "antagonist", offering a slightly different nuance.

onetime rival

A more succinct version of "one-time opponent", retaining the core meaning.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "past enemy"?

The term "past enemy" refers to someone who was previously considered an adversary or opponent, but is no longer in that role. It often implies a change in circumstances or a resolution of conflict.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "past enemy"?

It's appropriate when discussing a situation where a former adversarial relationship has ended or transformed, such as in peace treaties, reconciliations, or shifting alliances. Consider alternatives like "former enemy" or "previous foe" if the context allows.

What are some synonyms for "past enemy"?

Synonyms include "former adversary", "erstwhile enemy", "previous opponent", or "old rival", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

How does "past enemy" differ from "current enemy"?

"Past enemy" indicates a relationship that has changed, implying that the animosity has ceased or lessened. In contrast, "current enemy" signifies an ongoing conflict or adversarial state. Understanding this difference is crucial for accurate communication.