Tough love Meaning in English
expression
Definition
Tough love is when someone treats another person strictly or firmly because they care about them and want to help them improve, even if it feels harsh.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in family or helping contexts, especially with parents, teachers, or counselors. Implies caring intentions with strict actions. It’s not used to justify cruelty or regular harshness, but for necessary, loving discipline. Common collocation: 'give someone tough love'.
Example Sentences
Sometimes parents need to use tough love to help their children learn responsibility.
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My coach believes in tough love during our training sessions.
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She gave her friend some tough love so he could get his life back on track.
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After failing his exam, his parents showed tough love by taking away his video games.
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Sometimes tough love is the only way to help someone change bad habits.
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It hurt at the time, but I know now my teacher’s tough love really helped me grow.
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