sworn enemies
Arch-rivals by oath
Sworn enemies are people or groups committed to mutual hostility—not just opponents but adversaries bound by deep, often public antagonism.
The phrase suggests enmity that's declared or understood by all parties: The two families had been sworn enemies for generations.
It appears frequently in fiction and historical accounts, sometimes used playfully for minor rivalries: Cats and dogs are sworn enemies.
- arch nemesisPrincipal long-term antagonist
- rivalsThose who compete
- nemesisPersistent source of ruin
- foesHostile opponents
- adversariesThose who oppose you
vendetta · hatred · bitter · feud · vengeance · mortal · blood · betrayal · war · conflict · grudge · antagonist · hostility · bad blood · blood feud · loathing · duel · revenge
- enemiesfoe, foes, adversary, nemesis, rival
- story bondsfriendship, love story, love triangle, forbidden love, soulmates
- relationshipsfriends, romantic, family, friend, flirting
- sworn bondsblood oath, oath of fealty, loyalty oath, fealty, blood brothers
relational hostility
sworn enemiesbest friends
Closest mutual companions
blood brothers · bosom buddies · lifelong friends · allies · soulmates