E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Divide and Govern.
Divide a nation into parties, or set your enemies at loggerheads, and you can have your own way. A maxim of Machiavelli, a noted political writer of Florence (1469–1527).
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“Every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.”—Matthew xii. 25.
