be cruel to be kind
📖 generalMeaning
To act in a way that seems harsh or unkind, but is actually intended to help someone in the long run, often by teaching them a difficult lesson.
Literal Meaning
To deliberately inflict pain or hardship for the ultimate benefit of the recipient.
Example
“My parents grounded me for a month, saying it was cruel to be kind, as they wanted me to focus on my studies.”