enemy

be your own worst enemy

if you are your own worst enemy, you do or believe things that prevent you from becoming successful. Unless he learns to be more confident, he'll never get a decent job. He's his own worst enemy.

See also: worst

I/You wouldn't wish something on my/your worst enemy.

something that you say in order to emphasize that something is extremely unpleasant. The effects of this disease are horrible. You wouldn't wish them on your worst enemy.

See also: wish, worst, wouldn't

public enemy number one

someone or something that many people do not like or approve of. Inflation has been public enemy number one for this government.

See also: number, public

With friends like that, who needs enemies? (humorous)

something that you say when someone you thought was your friend treats you in an unpleasant way. He told my girlfriend I was boring. With friends like that, who needs enemies!

See also: friend, like, needs, who

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your own worst enemy

doing things yourself that prevent you from being liked or successful. As a young player, Michael was his own worst enemy, arguing with the coach and other players and generally being unpleasant.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form its own worst enemy, referring to something: The company has made a number of bad decisions that have made it its own worst enemy.

See also: worst