Who said “When a sinister person means to be your enemy, they always start by trying to become…”?

Disputed

It's credited to William Blake, but no reliable source from their lifetime has been found.

What the research foundNo reliable early source found for William Blake.

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Authors A–Z
“When a sinister person means to be your enemy, they always start by trying to become your friend.”
— William Blake
DisputedNo reliable early source found for William Blake. · evidenceEnemies

Cite this quote

APA

“When a sinister person means to be your enemy, they always start by trying to become your friend.” [Quotation attributed to William Blake]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/1434-when-a-sinister-person-means-to-be-your/

MLA

“When a sinister person means to be your enemy, they always start by trying to become your friend.” Attributed to William Blake. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/1434-when-a-sinister-person-means-to-be-your/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“When a sinister person means to be your enemy, they always start by trying to become your friend.” Attributed to William Blake. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/1434-when-a-sinister-person-means-to-be-your/.

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