be cruel to be kind
US /bi kruːəl tu bi kaɪnd/
UK /bi kruːəl tu bi kaɪnd/
1.
to do something that causes someone pain or discomfort, but which you believe will ultimately benefit them
:
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I had to fire him, but sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
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My parents made me study hard, and while it felt harsh at the time, they were just being cruel to be kind.