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** In "Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk", Mr. Burns sells the nuclear power plant to a pair of Germans for $100 million and those new bosses, being a bit more grounded in reality, have the sense to fire Homer. Burns attends Moe's Tavern in jubilence only to find a drunken Homer berate him. This was profound enough for Burns to decide that he lost the "respect" (read:fear) of the townspeople, and he immediately bought it back, and hired Homer again citing this trope by name, like the example above, schemes to make Homer's life miserable/punish him but the whole thing only seemed to enforce StatusQuoIsGod.
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* In ''Manga/{{Aruosumente}}'', Oracle Kian's original thought behind taking in Lante and Dante, with the latter being a loose cannon waiting to happen. He reasons it's better to keep them close than to have them fall into enemy hands and be used as weapons. It is also the reason Lante and Dante have been made commanders of the White and Black Knights respectively.
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* ''Series/GameOfThrones''. Lampshaded in "The High Sparrow". King Stannis suggests to Jon Snow that he might want to [[ReassignedToAntarctica transfer Alliser Thorne]]. Jon says that he heard it was best to keep your enemies close, but Stannis retorts that whoever said that didn't have many enemies. Instead Jon promotes Thorne but transfers Janos Slynt, Thorne's closest supporter. [[spoiler:Slynt refuses to be transferred and is executed by Jon Snow, firmly establishing his authority when Thorne refuses to oppose the execution.]]
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* ''Series/GameOfThrones''. Lampshaded Discussed in "The High Sparrow". King Stannis suggests to Jon Snow that he might want to [[ReassignedToAntarctica transfer Alliser Thorne]]. Jon says that he heard it was best to keep your enemies close, but Stannis retorts that whoever said that didn't have many enemies. Instead Jon promotes Thorne but transfers Janos Slynt, Thorne's closest supporter. [[spoiler:Slynt refuses to be transferred and is executed by Jon Snow, firmly establishing his authority when Thorne refuses to oppose the execution.]]
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Added work page links.
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* Michael Corleone of ''[[Film/TheGodfather The Godfather Part II]]'' is the TropeNamer, who learned this trope as a lesson from Vito and practices it with Roth and Don Altobello.
* In ''[[Film/{{Blade}} Blade 2]]'', Blade knew that Scud was a traitor the whole time, but kept him around for this reason.
* In ''[[Film/{{Blade}} Blade 2]]'', Blade knew that Scud was a traitor the whole time, but kept him around for this reason.
to:
* Michael Corleone of ''[[Film/TheGodfather The Godfather Part II]]'' ''Film/TheGodfatherPartII'' is the TropeNamer, who learned this trope as a lesson from Vito and practices it with Roth and Don Altobello.
* In''[[Film/{{Blade}} Blade 2]]'', ''Film/BladeII'', Blade knew that Scud was a traitor the whole time, but kept him around for this reason.
* In
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*** It can be argued that Code Geass deconstructed this trope as it shows how keeping enemies like Rolo and Villetta close like Lelouch did can and usually is very risky and probably will backfire as well as the actions of both Rolo and Villetta play a major part in Lelouch losing [[spoiler:control of the Black Knights and finally in the end doing Zero requiem.]] In the process which probably wouldn't have happened if he had gotten rid of those two like he should have. But it does play into Lelouch's obsession with control.
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* ''WesternAnimation/{{Archer}}'' Partly why Malory keeps [[spoiler:Dr. Krieger]] around, because of what he could become.
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* ''WesternAnimation/{{Archer}}'' ''WesternAnimation/{{Archer}}'': Partly why Malory keeps [[spoiler:Dr. Krieger]] around, [[UltimateJobSecurity around]], because of what he could become.
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* Leonard of Quirm in the ''Literature/{{Discworld}} books'', the Disc's [[NoCelebritiesWereHarmed equivalent]] of LeonardoDaVinci. He's not a villain as such, just unconsciously very dangerous: an amiable old man who is brilliant and naive enough to invent all sorts of misusable devices (implied at one point to include ''nuclear bombs'', which he thinks could be useful in civil engineering "when the mountains get in the way.") Lord Vetinari has him locked in a cell in the palace with a supply of art materials to keep him occupied.
to:
* Leonard of Quirm in the ''Literature/{{Discworld}} books'', the Disc's [[NoCelebritiesWereHarmed equivalent]] of LeonardoDaVinci. He's not a villain as such, just unconsciously very dangerous: an amiable old man who is brilliant and naive enough to invent all sorts of misusable devices (implied at one point to include ''nuclear bombs'', which he thinks could be useful in civil engineering "when the mountains get in the way.") Lord Vetinari has him locked in a cell in the palace with a supply of art materials to keep him occupied.
occupied.'
* In ''Literature/TheMysteriousBenedictSociety'', Reynie, Constance, Sticky and Kate are four kids who are sent as secret agents to the mysterious Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened run by the EvilGenius Ledroptha Curtain. Reynie's talent for mastering the material on Mr. Curtain's tests gains Curtain's approval and the two get drawn into a conversation in which Curtain expresses his suspicion of Constance, who often sleeps in classes and is rude and surly to the teachers. He tells him that he doesn't understand her and therefore he doesn't trust her. Reynie replies that this is perfectly understandable, "but you know what they say about those you don't trust." Mr. Curtain replies that no, he ''doesn't'' know what it is that they say and Reynie says "If you don't trust them, keep them close." This amuses Mr. Curtain, but also makes sense to him, and it throws suspicion off Reynie, while also serving Reynie's purpose of allowing Constance to stay at the Institute. Later, Mr. Curtain keeps around Martina Crowe on the same principle, even though Sticky tells him that she forced him to help her cheat, and he believes him.
* In ''Literature/TheMysteriousBenedictSociety'', Reynie, Constance, Sticky and Kate are four kids who are sent as secret agents to the mysterious Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened run by the EvilGenius Ledroptha Curtain. Reynie's talent for mastering the material on Mr. Curtain's tests gains Curtain's approval and the two get drawn into a conversation in which Curtain expresses his suspicion of Constance, who often sleeps in classes and is rude and surly to the teachers. He tells him that he doesn't understand her and therefore he doesn't trust her. Reynie replies that this is perfectly understandable, "but you know what they say about those you don't trust." Mr. Curtain replies that no, he ''doesn't'' know what it is that they say and Reynie says "If you don't trust them, keep them close." This amuses Mr. Curtain, but also makes sense to him, and it throws suspicion off Reynie, while also serving Reynie's purpose of allowing Constance to stay at the Institute. Later, Mr. Curtain keeps around Martina Crowe on the same principle, even though Sticky tells him that she forced him to help her cheat, and he believes him.
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*** It can be argued that Code Geass deconstructed this trope as it shows how keeping enemies like Rolo and Villetta close like Lelouch did can and usually is very risky and probably will backfire as well as the actions of both Rolo and Villetta play a major part in Lelouch losing [[spoiler: control of the Black Knights and finally in the end doing Zero requiem. ]] In the process which probably wouldn't have happened if he had gotten rid of those two like he should have. But it does play into Lelouch's obsession with control.
to:
*** It can be argued that Code Geass deconstructed this trope as it shows how keeping enemies like Rolo and Villetta close like Lelouch did can and usually is very risky and probably will backfire as well as the actions of both Rolo and Villetta play a major part in Lelouch losing [[spoiler: control [[spoiler:control of the Black Knights and finally in the end doing Zero requiem. requiem.]] In the process which probably wouldn't have happened if he had gotten rid of those two like he should have. But it does play into Lelouch's obsession with control.
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* [[DiscussedTrope Discussed]] and [[DefiedTrope defied]] in ''Webcomic/PennyAndAggie'' when [[AlphaBitch Meg]], after humiliating Penny in front of a boy she likes, invites her and her friends to a SlumberParty. Penny accepts, explaining afterward to her friends that Meg is practicing this trope, but that she plans to use it against Meg. At the party, Penny takes embarassing candid photos of her and shares them with her classmates, thereby ending Meg's reign as queen bee.
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* [[DiscussedTrope Discussed]] {{Discussed|Trope}} and [[DefiedTrope defied]] {{defied|Trope}} in ''Webcomic/PennyAndAggie'' when [[AlphaBitch Meg]], after humiliating Penny in front of a boy she likes, invites her and her friends to a SlumberParty. Penny accepts, explaining afterward to her friends that Meg is practicing this trope, but that she plans to use it against Meg. At the party, Penny takes embarassing candid photos of her and shares them with her classmates, thereby ending Meg's reign as queen bee.
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* ''Series/GameOfThrones''. Lampshaded in "The High Sparrow". King Stannis suggests to Jon Snow that he might want to transfer Alliser Thorne to Eastwatch by the Sea. Jon says that he heard it was best to keep your enemies close, but Stannis retorts that whoever said that didn't have many enemies.
to:
* ''Series/GameOfThrones''. Lampshaded in "The High Sparrow". King Stannis suggests to Jon Snow that he might want to [[ReassignedToAntarctica transfer Alliser Thorne to Eastwatch by the Sea. Thorne]]. Jon says that he heard it was best to keep your enemies close, but Stannis retorts that whoever said that didn't have many enemies.
enemies. Instead Jon promotes Thorne but transfers Janos Slynt, Thorne's closest supporter. [[spoiler:Slynt refuses to be transferred and is executed by Jon Snow, firmly establishing his authority when Thorne refuses to oppose the execution.]]
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* ''Series/GameOfThrones''. Lampshaded in "The High Sparrow". King Stannis suggests to Jon Snow that he might want to transfer Alliser Thorne to Eastwatch by the Sea. Jon says that he heard it was best to keep your enemies close, but Stannis retorts that whoever said that didn't have many enemies.
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* Falcone in ''Series/{{Gotham}}'' knows Mooney wants to usurp his place as the crimelord of Gotham but continues to keep her as his go-to gal and even had a civil conversation with her [[spoiler: as his men beat Mooney's lover behind them]].
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* In the ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'' episode [[Recap/SupernaturalS09E02DevilMayCare "Devil May Care" (S09, Ep02)]], Sam and Dean bring Crowley, the King of Hell, inside their heavily warded secret bunker.
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* In the ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'' episode [[Recap/SupernaturalS09E02DevilMayCare "Devil May Care" (S09, Ep02)]], Sam and Dean bring Crowley, the King of Hell, inside their heavily warded secret bunker.
bunker.
* A slightly modified version spoken by [[HeroOfAnotherStory Gaheris Rhade]] in an AlternateReality episode of ''Series/{{Andromeda}}'' regarding Tyr: "Keep your friends close. Keep your enemies under constant surveillance." It helps that there's nowhere on ''Andromeda'' that Tyr can go where the SpaceshipGirl won't see him.
* A slightly modified version spoken by [[HeroOfAnotherStory Gaheris Rhade]] in an AlternateReality episode of ''Series/{{Andromeda}}'' regarding Tyr: "Keep your friends close. Keep your enemies under constant surveillance." It helps that there's nowhere on ''Andromeda'' that Tyr can go where the SpaceshipGirl won't see him.
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[[AC:{{Pinball}}]]
* In ''VideoGame/MadDaedalus'', King Minos tries to capture the inventor Daedalus to prevent him from escaping into the future and taking his technological wonders with him.
* In ''VideoGame/MadDaedalus'', King Minos tries to capture the inventor Daedalus to prevent him from escaping into the future and taking his technological wonders with him.
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* In ''Literature/{{Worm}}'', Coil does this with his employee Tattletale, keeping her close so that she can't get help from other groups, monitoring her purchases and being sure that he knows what she's doing. Unfortunately, it backfires when she takes the opportunity to hire his mercenaries out from under him, since he was nice enough to put her in proximity with his officers.
-->'''Tattletale''': The problem with keeping your friends close and your enemies closer? It puts your enemies in the midst of your friends, so they can discuss better means of payment with the right team captains.
-->'''Tattletale''': The problem with keeping your friends close and your enemies closer? It puts your enemies in the midst of your friends, so they can discuss better means of payment with the right team captains.
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* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}''. Captain Shinji Hirako of the 5th Division distrusted Sosuke Aizen and made Aizen his lieutenant so he could keep an eye on him. Aizen found a way around this by using a dummy. In the end Aizen used his position to perform evil experiments and eventually turn Hirako and a number of other high level Soul Reapers into hollows.
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* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}''. Captain Shinji Hirako of the 5th Division distrusted Sosuke Aizen and made Aizen his lieutenant so he could keep an eye on him. Aizen found a way around this by using a dummy. Ironically, Aizen explains that the fact that he never trusted him is how he was able to make it work. If Shinji had gotten to know Aizen better, then he would've noticed that the double's mannerisms didn't quite match his own. Since he kept Aizen at a distance, he never learned enough about him to see through the deception. In the end Aizen used his position to perform evil experiments and eventually turn Hirako and a number of other high level Soul Reapers into hollows.
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Compare LivingWithTheVillain.
to:
Compare LivingWithTheVillain.
LivingWithTheVillain; contrast GoKartingWithBowser. If you get ''too'' close, it may result in FoeRomanceSubtext or DatingCatwoman.
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* In the ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'' episode [[Recap/SupernaturalS09E02DevilMayCare "Devil May Care" (S09, Ep02)]], Sam and Dean bring Crowley, the King of Hell, inside their heavily warded secret bunker.
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-->'''Malory''': And if there is one thing I have learned in all my years as a spymaster, it's that you keep your friends close and possible genetic clones of Adolph Hitler closer.
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-->'''Malory''': And if there is one thing I have learned in all my years as a spymaster, it's that you keep your friends close and possible [[YouClonedHitler genetic clones of Adolph Hitler Hitler]] closer.
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* ''WesternAnimation/{{Archer}}'' Partly why Malory keeps [[spoiler:Dr. Krieger]] around.
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* ''WesternAnimation/{{Archer}}'' Partly why Malory keeps [[spoiler:Dr. Krieger]] around.around, because of what he could become.
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* ''WesternAnimation/{{Archer}}'' Partly why Malory keeps [[spoiler:Dr. Krieger]] around.
-->'''Malory''': And if there is one thing I have learned in all my years as a spymaster, it's that you keep your friends close and possible genetic clones of Adolph Hitler closer.
-->'''Malory''': And if there is one thing I have learned in all my years as a spymaster, it's that you keep your friends close and possible genetic clones of Adolph Hitler closer.
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-->'''Professor de la Paz''': The thing to do with a spy is to let him breathe, encyst him with loyal comrades, and feed him harmless information to please his employers. These creatures will be taken into our organization. Don't be shocked; they will be in very special cells. "Cages" is a better word. But it would be the greatest waste to eliminate them - not only would each spy be replaced with someone new but also killing these traitors would tell the Warden that we have penetrated his secrets.
to:
-->'''Professor de la Paz''': The thing to do with a spy is to let him breathe, encyst him with loyal comrades, and [[FeedTheMole feed him harmless information to please his employers.employers]]. These creatures will be taken into our organization. Don't be shocked; they will be in very special cells. "Cages" is a better word. But it would be the greatest waste to eliminate them - not only would each spy be replaced with someone new but also killing these traitors would tell the Warden that we have penetrated his secrets.
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* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}''. Captain Shinji Hirako of the 5th Division distrusted Sosuke Aizen and made Aizen his lieutenant so he could keep an eye on him. This massively backfired as Aizen used his position to perform evil experiments and eventually turn Hirako and a number of other high level Soul Reapers into hollows.
* In ''Manga/DeathNote'', L's primary tactic at one point is to actually [[NoSenseOfPersonalSpace keep Light handcuffed]] to him so he can't act as Kira.
* In ''Manga/DeathNote'', L's primary tactic at one point is to actually [[NoSenseOfPersonalSpace keep Light handcuffed]] to him so he can't act as Kira.
to:
* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}''. Captain Shinji Hirako of the 5th Division distrusted Sosuke Aizen and made Aizen his lieutenant so he could keep an eye on him. This massively backfired as Aizen found a way around this by using a dummy. In the end Aizen used his position to perform evil experiments and eventually turn Hirako and a number of other high level Soul Reapers into hollows.
* In ''Manga/DeathNote'', L's primary tactic at one point is to actually [[NoSenseOfPersonalSpace keep Light handcuffed]] to him so he can't act as Kira. This backfires on him because it allows Light to come into contact with the Death Note again.
* In ''Manga/DeathNote'', L's primary tactic at one point is to actually [[NoSenseOfPersonalSpace keep Light handcuffed]] to him so he can't act as Kira. This backfires on him because it allows Light to come into contact with the Death Note again.
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* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'': The 2nd Hokage never trusted the Uchiha clan and felt their extreme emotions meant that even as allies they were a FaceHeelTurn waiting to happen. [[spoiler:Later events would prove that [[JerkassHasAPoint he had a point]].]] He put them in charge of Konoha's law enforcement so that he could more easily keep an eye on them.
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adding to example
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*** It can be argued that Code Geass deconstructed this trope as it shows how keeping enemies like Rolo and Villetta close like Lelouch did can and usually is very risky and probably will backfire as well as the actions of both Rolo and Villetta play a major part in Lelouch losing [[spoiler: control of the Black Knights and finally in the end doing Zero requiem. ]] In the process which probably wouldn't have happened if he had gotten rid of those two like he should have. But it does play into Lelouch's obsession with control.
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* In the third season of ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'', [[spoiler:Discord]] of all people is entrusted to Fluttershy to remain under surveillance and be reformed. [[spoiler:Which he apparently does.]]
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* In the third season of ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'', episode [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS3E11KeepCalmAndFlutterOn "Keep Calm and Flutter On"]] [[spoiler:Discord]] of all people is entrusted to Fluttershy to remain under surveillance and be reformed. [[spoiler:Which he apparently does.]]
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!Examples:
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* In Roleplay/DinoAttackRPG, Sgt. Ronald E. Army is a BloodKnight who spent years thinking that he was a general. Rather than discharging Army, the president allows Army to maintain his rank for this reason, since it was safer to keep Army in the military than to let him become a loose cannon.
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* In Roleplay/DinoAttackRPG, ''Roleplay/DinoAttackRPG'', Sgt. Ronald E. Army is a BloodKnight who spent years thinking that he was a general. Rather than discharging Army, the president allows Army to maintain his rank for this reason, since it was safer to keep Army in the military than to let him become a loose cannon.
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* In {{LEGO}} [[KnightsKingdom2 Knights' Kingdom]], King Mathias knows that Vladek is a dangerous, brooding, scheming fellow who would usurp the throne if given the chance. So, he appoints Vladek to the position of his personal adviser so he can always keep an eye on Vladek and make sure he's not up to no good. Unfortunately, this backfires, since Vladek doesn't remain content being the king's adviser.
to:
* In {{LEGO}} ''{{LEGO}} [[KnightsKingdom2 Knights' Kingdom]], Kingdom]]'', King Mathias knows that Vladek is a dangerous, brooding, scheming fellow who would usurp the throne if given the chance. So, he appoints Vladek to the position of his personal adviser so he can always keep an eye on Vladek and make sure he's not up to no good. Unfortunately, this backfires, since Vladek doesn't remain content being the king's adviser.
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* In ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'', this is how Homer gains his position at the nuclear power plant. He led a protest against the plant's numerous safety violations, so Mr. Burns placated the protesters by making Homer the head of safety. Burns explained to Smithers afterwards that this allows them to keep a close eye on Homer and punish him in due time. (However, this seems to have completely failed--in subsequent episodes it becomes a running gag that Burns never remembers who Homer is, in spite of how often they interact.)
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See also LivingWithTheVillain.
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See also LivingWithTheVillain.
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* In ''Anime/CodeGeass'', Lelouch does this to Rolo during the Geass raid and the second Tokyo battle before [[spoiler:he intends to dispose him as payback for murdering Shirley]]. Unfortunately for the former, [[PoisonousFriend Rolo makes various other Black Knights suspicious]] [[PsychoSupporter by telling them he trusts him the most]]. Should've reined him in a bit more.
** Earlier in the season, Villetta and Rolo are assigned to the OSI detail to watch over Lelouch in order to keep him from using his Geass or becoming Zero. Lelouch manages to flip the script on them both via blackmail of the former's relationship with Ohgi, and convincing the latter that he has no future with Britannia, respectively. (Unfortunately, he fails to keep an absolute leash on either.)
** Earlier in the season, Villetta and Rolo are assigned to the OSI detail to watch over Lelouch in order to keep him from using his Geass or becoming Zero. Lelouch manages to flip the script on them both via blackmail of the former's relationship with Ohgi, and convincing the latter that he has no future with Britannia, respectively. (Unfortunately, he fails to keep an absolute leash on either.)
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->"''My father taught me many things here -- he taught me in this room. He taught me -- keep your friends close [[TropeNamer but your enemies closer]].''"
-->--'''Michael Corleone''', ''[[Film/TheGodfather The Godfather Part II]]''
Alice knows that if she ever turned her back on Bob, he might [[TheStarscream stab her in the back]]. Surely, Bob is too dangerous to keep around... but, on the other hand, so long as Alice keeps an eye on Bob, she'll always know what he's doing. So, what better way for Alice to keep an eye on Bob than to keep Bob around Alice?
Often times, Alice keeps Bob close by appointing him to a position of power, such as her personal adviser. Alternatively, Alice might associate herself with Bob's friends, or in rare occasions, [[FriendlyEnemy might even try to form a relationship with Bob himself]]. Anything that can work to keep Bob under check at all times.
This trope does not necessarily apply only to villains or traitors, but also to any character who could become a dangerous loose cannon if left unmonitored, such as a BloodKnight. It is safer to keep these characters around you, so you always are aware of their actions and motivations, than to risk letting them slip under the radar. In the case of the aforementioned Blood Knight, it is safer to keep the Blood Knight in your army than it is to discharge him and not know where he is or whom his next target might be.
This trope is risky to pull off, since it can backfire and Bob will have a much easier time stabbing Alice in the back than he would have if she stayed far away from him.
----
!Examples:
[[AC:{{Anime}} and {{Manga}}]]
* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}''. Captain Shinji Hirako of the 5th Division distrusted Sosuke Aizen and made Aizen his lieutenant so he could keep an eye on him. This massively backfired as Aizen used his position to perform evil experiments and eventually turn Hirako and a number of other high level Soul Reapers into hollows.
* In ''Manga/DeathNote'', L's primary tactic at one point is to actually [[NoSenseOfPersonalSpace keep Light handcuffed]] to him so he can't act as Kira.
[[AC:{{Film}}]]
* Michael Corleone of ''[[Film/TheGodfather The Godfather Part II]]'' is the TropeNamer, who learned this trope as a lesson from Vito and practices it with Roth and Don Altobello.
* In ''[[Film/{{Blade}} Blade 2]]'', Blade knew that Scud was a traitor the whole time, but kept him around for this reason.
[[AC:{{Literature}}]]
* In ''Literature/ChroniclesOfMagravandias'', Valraven, the emperor's most valued general, is married to Princess Varencienne for this purpose.
* [[Creator/RobertAHeinlein Robert Heinlein's]] ''Literature/TheMoonIsAHarshMistress''. When the conspiracy learns the names of all of the Lunar Authority's spies, Wyoming Knott wants them to be killed but Professor Bernardo de la Paz has other plans.
-->'''Professor de la Paz''': The thing to do with a spy is to let him breathe, encyst him with loyal comrades, and feed him harmless information to please his employers. These creatures will be taken into our organization. Don't be shocked; they will be in very special cells. "Cages" is a better word. But it would be the greatest waste to eliminate them - not only would each spy be replaced with someone new but also killing these traitors would tell the Warden that we have penetrated his secrets.
* Leonard of Quirm in the ''Literature/{{Discworld}} books'', the Disc's [[NoCelebritiesWereHarmed equivalent]] of LeonardoDaVinci. He's not a villain as such, just unconsciously very dangerous: an amiable old man who is brilliant and naive enough to invent all sorts of misusable devices (implied at one point to include ''nuclear bombs'', which he thinks could be useful in civil engineering "when the mountains get in the way.") Lord Vetinari has him locked in a cell in the palace with a supply of art materials to keep him occupied.
[[AC:LiveActionTV]]
* In ''Series/{{Babylon 5}}'', G'Kar alludes to this trope [[InTheOriginalKlingon and then says that humans probably stole it from the Narn]].
* In ''Series/{{CSINY}}'', Detective Mac Taylor alludes to this trope:
-->'''Detective Mac Taylor''': You know what they say: keep your friends close and your enemies closer - and if that doesn't work, kill 'em.
* As quoted by Jack Donaghy on ''Series/ThirtyRock'':
-->'''Jack''': The Italians have a saying, Lemon: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." And although they've never won a war or mass-produced a decent car, in this area they are correct.
[[AC:RolePlayingGames]]
* In Roleplay/DinoAttackRPG, Sgt. Ronald E. Army is a BloodKnight who spent years thinking that he was a general. Rather than discharging Army, the president allows Army to maintain his rank for this reason, since it was safer to keep Army in the military than to let him become a loose cannon.
[[AC:{{Toys}}]]
* In {{LEGO}} [[KnightsKingdom2 Knights' Kingdom]], King Mathias knows that Vladek is a dangerous, brooding, scheming fellow who would usurp the throne if given the chance. So, he appoints Vladek to the position of his personal adviser so he can always keep an eye on Vladek and make sure he's not up to no good. Unfortunately, this backfires, since Vladek doesn't remain content being the king's adviser.
[[AC:{{Webcomics}}]]
* [[DiscussedTrope Discussed]] and [[DefiedTrope defied]] in ''Webcomic/PennyAndAggie'' when [[AlphaBitch Meg]], after humiliating Penny in front of a boy she likes, invites her and her friends to a SlumberParty. Penny accepts, explaining afterward to her friends that Meg is practicing this trope, but that she plans to use it against Meg. At the party, Penny takes embarassing candid photos of her and shares them with her classmates, thereby ending Meg's reign as queen bee.
* This is Roy's reason for keeping [[TokenEvilTeammate Belkar]] as a member of ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick''. Roy doesn't trust any prison enough to keep Belkar from breaking out and going on a rampage, whereas so long as Belkar is working for the Order, the other members can keep him in check and direct his [[ComedicSociopathy sociopathic tendencies]] towards [[EvilVersusEvil evils that are more dangerous than him]].
[[AC:WebOriginal]]
* In ''WebVideo/TheNostalgiaCritic'''s review of ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'', Optimus Prime discusses this trope when wondering why Megatron keeps [[TheStarscream Starscream]] around despite the latter [[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder always trying to betray the former]]. According to Optimus Prime, Autobots [[DefiedTrope don't believe in this trope]] and instead JustShootHim.
* In ''WebVideo/{{Kickassia}}'', this may be the reason why the Channel Awesome team decided to keep "Fritz Von Baugh" around even though they all knew that he was obviously Kevin Baugh in a PaperThinDisguise. [[spoiler:This ultimately backfires, as it allows Fritz Von Baugh to undermine Kickassia's government.]]
[[AC:WesternAnimation]]
* In ''WesternAnimation/HotWheelsBattleForce5'', [[GenreSavvy Kalus]] promoted [[TheStarscream Grimian]] to second-in-command because a wise one once advised him about this trope.
* In ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'', this is generally understood as one of the major reasons why [[TheStarscream Starscream]] is second-in-command to Megatron despite (or rather, due to) his ChronicBackstabbingDisorder.
* In ''WesternAnimation/TotalDramaIsland'', [[GenreSavvy Heather]] uses her understanding of what reality show producers like best to get to the final three of ''Island'', and so despite hating Leshawna, acts nice to her for this reason.
* In the third season of ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'', [[spoiler:Discord]] of all people is entrusted to Fluttershy to remain under surveillance and be reformed. [[spoiler:Which he apparently does.]]
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-->--'''Michael Corleone''', ''[[Film/TheGodfather The Godfather Part II]]''
Alice knows that if she ever turned her back on Bob, he might [[TheStarscream stab her in the back]]. Surely, Bob is too dangerous to keep around... but, on the other hand, so long as Alice keeps an eye on Bob, she'll always know what he's doing. So, what better way for Alice to keep an eye on Bob than to keep Bob around Alice?
Often times, Alice keeps Bob close by appointing him to a position of power, such as her personal adviser. Alternatively, Alice might associate herself with Bob's friends, or in rare occasions, [[FriendlyEnemy might even try to form a relationship with Bob himself]]. Anything that can work to keep Bob under check at all times.
This trope does not necessarily apply only to villains or traitors, but also to any character who could become a dangerous loose cannon if left unmonitored, such as a BloodKnight. It is safer to keep these characters around you, so you always are aware of their actions and motivations, than to risk letting them slip under the radar. In the case of the aforementioned Blood Knight, it is safer to keep the Blood Knight in your army than it is to discharge him and not know where he is or whom his next target might be.
This trope is risky to pull off, since it can backfire and Bob will have a much easier time stabbing Alice in the back than he would have if she stayed far away from him.
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!Examples:
[[AC:{{Anime}} and {{Manga}}]]
* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}''. Captain Shinji Hirako of the 5th Division distrusted Sosuke Aizen and made Aizen his lieutenant so he could keep an eye on him. This massively backfired as Aizen used his position to perform evil experiments and eventually turn Hirako and a number of other high level Soul Reapers into hollows.
* In ''Manga/DeathNote'', L's primary tactic at one point is to actually [[NoSenseOfPersonalSpace keep Light handcuffed]] to him so he can't act as Kira.
[[AC:{{Film}}]]
* Michael Corleone of ''[[Film/TheGodfather The Godfather Part II]]'' is the TropeNamer, who learned this trope as a lesson from Vito and practices it with Roth and Don Altobello.
* In ''[[Film/{{Blade}} Blade 2]]'', Blade knew that Scud was a traitor the whole time, but kept him around for this reason.
[[AC:{{Literature}}]]
* In ''Literature/ChroniclesOfMagravandias'', Valraven, the emperor's most valued general, is married to Princess Varencienne for this purpose.
* [[Creator/RobertAHeinlein Robert Heinlein's]] ''Literature/TheMoonIsAHarshMistress''. When the conspiracy learns the names of all of the Lunar Authority's spies, Wyoming Knott wants them to be killed but Professor Bernardo de la Paz has other plans.
-->'''Professor de la Paz''': The thing to do with a spy is to let him breathe, encyst him with loyal comrades, and feed him harmless information to please his employers. These creatures will be taken into our organization. Don't be shocked; they will be in very special cells. "Cages" is a better word. But it would be the greatest waste to eliminate them - not only would each spy be replaced with someone new but also killing these traitors would tell the Warden that we have penetrated his secrets.
* Leonard of Quirm in the ''Literature/{{Discworld}} books'', the Disc's [[NoCelebritiesWereHarmed equivalent]] of LeonardoDaVinci. He's not a villain as such, just unconsciously very dangerous: an amiable old man who is brilliant and naive enough to invent all sorts of misusable devices (implied at one point to include ''nuclear bombs'', which he thinks could be useful in civil engineering "when the mountains get in the way.") Lord Vetinari has him locked in a cell in the palace with a supply of art materials to keep him occupied.
[[AC:LiveActionTV]]
* In ''Series/{{Babylon 5}}'', G'Kar alludes to this trope [[InTheOriginalKlingon and then says that humans probably stole it from the Narn]].
* In ''Series/{{CSINY}}'', Detective Mac Taylor alludes to this trope:
-->'''Detective Mac Taylor''': You know what they say: keep your friends close and your enemies closer - and if that doesn't work, kill 'em.
* As quoted by Jack Donaghy on ''Series/ThirtyRock'':
-->'''Jack''': The Italians have a saying, Lemon: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." And although they've never won a war or mass-produced a decent car, in this area they are correct.
[[AC:RolePlayingGames]]
* In Roleplay/DinoAttackRPG, Sgt. Ronald E. Army is a BloodKnight who spent years thinking that he was a general. Rather than discharging Army, the president allows Army to maintain his rank for this reason, since it was safer to keep Army in the military than to let him become a loose cannon.
[[AC:{{Toys}}]]
* In {{LEGO}} [[KnightsKingdom2 Knights' Kingdom]], King Mathias knows that Vladek is a dangerous, brooding, scheming fellow who would usurp the throne if given the chance. So, he appoints Vladek to the position of his personal adviser so he can always keep an eye on Vladek and make sure he's not up to no good. Unfortunately, this backfires, since Vladek doesn't remain content being the king's adviser.
[[AC:{{Webcomics}}]]
* [[DiscussedTrope Discussed]] and [[DefiedTrope defied]] in ''Webcomic/PennyAndAggie'' when [[AlphaBitch Meg]], after humiliating Penny in front of a boy she likes, invites her and her friends to a SlumberParty. Penny accepts, explaining afterward to her friends that Meg is practicing this trope, but that she plans to use it against Meg. At the party, Penny takes embarassing candid photos of her and shares them with her classmates, thereby ending Meg's reign as queen bee.
* This is Roy's reason for keeping [[TokenEvilTeammate Belkar]] as a member of ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick''. Roy doesn't trust any prison enough to keep Belkar from breaking out and going on a rampage, whereas so long as Belkar is working for the Order, the other members can keep him in check and direct his [[ComedicSociopathy sociopathic tendencies]] towards [[EvilVersusEvil evils that are more dangerous than him]].
[[AC:WebOriginal]]
* In ''WebVideo/TheNostalgiaCritic'''s review of ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'', Optimus Prime discusses this trope when wondering why Megatron keeps [[TheStarscream Starscream]] around despite the latter [[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder always trying to betray the former]]. According to Optimus Prime, Autobots [[DefiedTrope don't believe in this trope]] and instead JustShootHim.
* In ''WebVideo/{{Kickassia}}'', this may be the reason why the Channel Awesome team decided to keep "Fritz Von Baugh" around even though they all knew that he was obviously Kevin Baugh in a PaperThinDisguise. [[spoiler:This ultimately backfires, as it allows Fritz Von Baugh to undermine Kickassia's government.]]
[[AC:WesternAnimation]]
* In ''WesternAnimation/HotWheelsBattleForce5'', [[GenreSavvy Kalus]] promoted [[TheStarscream Grimian]] to second-in-command because a wise one once advised him about this trope.
* In ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'', this is generally understood as one of the major reasons why [[TheStarscream Starscream]] is second-in-command to Megatron despite (or rather, due to) his ChronicBackstabbingDisorder.
* In ''WesternAnimation/TotalDramaIsland'', [[GenreSavvy Heather]] uses her understanding of what reality show producers like best to get to the final three of ''Island'', and so despite hating Leshawna, acts nice to her for this reason.
* In the third season of ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'', [[spoiler:Discord]] of all people is entrusted to Fluttershy to remain under surveillance and be reformed. [[spoiler:Which he apparently does.]]
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