敵味方

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 敵味方 is read as てきみかた and refers collectively to friend and foe or both sides.
• Basic usage: It can describe an inability to distinguish sides in fog or helping others without regard to side at a disaster site.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Distinguishing friend from foe
  • 敵味方 names the opposing sides that someone tries to tell apart. Example: 霧が深くて敵味方の区別がつかない。
• Acting regardless of side
  • 敵味方 can be used when people help one another without considering which side they belong to. Example: 災害現場では敵味方の別なく互いを助けた。