Meaning of the word "false friends are much worse than open enemies" in English

What does "false friends are much worse than open enemies" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

false friends are much worse than open enemies

US /fɔːls frendz ɑːr mʌtʃ wɜːrs ðæn ˈoʊpən ˈɛnəmiːz/
UK /fɔːls frendz ɑː mʌtʃ wɜːs ðæn ˈəʊpən ˈɛnəmiz/
"false friends are much worse than open enemies" picture

Idiom

a proverb meaning that a person who pretends to be your friend but is actually disloyal is more dangerous than someone who is openly hostile

Example:
I realized he was leaking my secrets; truly, false friends are much worse than open enemies.
Be careful who you trust, because false friends are much worse than open enemies.