"be cruel to be kind" in Chinese (Simplified)

• 狠心是為了善意

Definition

出于对某人的好意，用狠心或严厉的方式做事，因为你相信长期来看会帮到对方。

Usage Notes (Chinese (Simplified))

这个表达多用来安慰自己或别人，说明严厉的话或行为是为了对方好。在亲子、师生及朋友间给出难听建议时常用。

Examples

Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind and tell the truth, even if it hurts.

有时候你得**狠心是為了善意**，说出实话，即使会伤人。

Her parents decided to be cruel to be kind and take away her phone until she finished her homework.

她父母决定**狠心是為了善意**，在她写完作业前收走手机。

The teacher believes it’s necessary to be cruel to be kind with strict rules.

老师认为用严格规定**狠心是為了善意**很有必要。

Breaking up with him was tough, but I had to be cruel to be kind.

和他分手很难，但我必须**狠心是為了善意**。

I hate yelling, but sometimes you just need to be cruel to be kind to get the message across.

我不喜欢吼人，但有时你就是得**狠心是為了善意**，让对方明白你的意思。

Look, I'm only telling you this because I have to be cruel to be kind.

听着，我之所以告诉你这些，是因为我**狠心是為了善意**。