One story says it got that meaning from the custom of throwing boiling water down on enemies attacking a castle.

VOA: special.2009.05.10

We must not be enemies. Though emotion may have damaged them, it must not break our ties of love."

VOA: special.2009.07.30

Then he made Conkling even angrier by appointing one of Conkling's political enemies Collector of Taxes for the port of New York.

VOA: special.2010.04.22

To others,they are enemies of the public health in a time of what the World Health Organization calls a "global obesity epidemic."

VOA: special.2010.04.12

He said it was an administration of enemies of the Union who used the president's name and power for their own purposes.

VOA: special.2009.04.16

Is there any question that, by the laws of war, property -- both of enemies and friends may be taken when needed.

VOA: special.2009.10.08

But their families, the Capulets and the Montagues, are enemies and will not allow them to be together.

VOA: special.2010.01.06

Today it includes former enemies of NATO that were members of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact.

VOA: special.2009.04.04

Over the years, he has sometimes earned enemies by expressing opinions that offend other scientists.

VOA: special.2010.07.20

Rachid Hanna advises farmers to use biological controls such as natural enemies of the aphids.

VOA: special.2009.09.21

He must race to find a cure while still fighting the enemies of peace.

VOA: special.2010.06.14

Czolgosz was an anarchist. He believed all rulers were enemies of the people.

VOA: special.2010.07.29

He said a person does not get anywhere in life by making enemies.

VOA: special.2010.02.07

The man urged Lincoln to explain to the common people that the war was not the North against the South, but democracy against the enemies of democracy.

VOA: special.2009.11.12