"An open foe may prove a curse, but a pretended friend is worse"

This quote by John Gay is a warning about the threats of false friends. It recommends that even an open enemy can be less hazardous than a pretended good friend. An open opponent is somebody who is sincere about their intentions and can be handled accordingly. A pretended good friend, on the other hand, is someone who pretends to be a pal but is in fact an enemy in disguise. This type of person can be more dangerous since they can gain your trust and after that utilize it against you. They can manipulate you and benefit from your weaknesses. This quote is a reminder to be wary of those who declare to be good friends, and to be aware of the possible risk they can posture. It is important to be discerning and to trust your impulses when it pertains to relationships.