a hedge between keeps friendship green
这里 hedge 是篱笆 界限的意思
意思是 朋友之间有所界限 才能让友谊之树长青(君子之交淡如水).
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关于君子之交淡如水的翻译,我更喜欢以下几种
1.Association between wise men is as pure as water
2.君子之交淡如水,小人之交甘如醴.君子淡以亲,小人甘以绝.
The friendship between men of virtue is light like water,yet affectionate; the friendship between men without virtue is sweet like wine,yet easily broken.