明枪易躲， 暗箭难防

明枪易躲， 暗箭难防 [míng qiāng yì duǒ àn jiàn nán fáng]

1. ■ It is easy to dodge an open spear thrust, but difficult to guard against an arrow in the dark.; It is easy to parry a spear-thrust in the open, but hard to evade an arrow shot in the dark.; It is easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow shot from a hidden place.; A visible spear is easily withstood, but an unseen arrow is hard to guard against.; A spear openly discharged at you is easy to avoid, but it is difficult to guard against such as are discharged in secret.; Better an open enemy than a false friend.