When an object, territory, or information "passes into enemy hands," it refers to a situation where it is lost or captured by forces belonging to a hostile or opposing party during a period of conflict, war, or confrontation. The term predominantly applies to military contexts, but can also extend to other scenarios involving rival nations, groups, or factions striving for dominance or control over a particular asset.
In military terms, when an area or position passes into enemy hands, it signifies the enemy's successful infiltration, attack, or takeover resulting in their acquisition and control of the location. This can involve physical occupation of territories, such as capturing and hoisting their flag or establishing their administration within the conquered region. Moreover, it can entail the confiscation of resources, assets, weapons, or classified information, hence, weakening the original holder's position and enabling the opposing force to utilize the seized materials to their own advantage.
Additionally, the term "passes into enemy hands" can expand to non-military situations, encompassing domains like espionage, cyber warfare, or economic competition. In these scenarios, it refers to instances where intelligence, trade secrets, or sensitive data are accessed, stolen, or compromised by adversaries seeking to gain an upper hand over their rivals.
Overall, the phrase "passes into enemy hands" encapsulates the transfer or loss of control over something significant, be it vast territories, resources, information, or other valuable assets, to a hostile or opposing party, thereby negatively impacting the original holder's position and amplifying the rival's strength.
