Definition
To act in a way that may seem harsh or unkind in the short term, but is ultimately intended to be beneficial.
為了對方好而做出會令對方痛苦的事或說出冷酷的話（苦口良藥）
The coach was very strict with the players, but he believed it was for their own good; he was 'being cruel to be kind'.
教練對球員非常嚴格，但他相信這是為了他們好；他是在『嚴厲以待，善意為之』。
Sometimes, parents must 'be cruel to be kind' to their children to ensure they learn important life lessons.
有時候，父母必須對孩子『嚴厲以待，善意為之』，以確保他們學到重要的人生教訓。
I know it's hard to accept, but I'm 'being cruel to be kind'; you must focus on your studies.
我知道這很難接受，但我是在『嚴厲以待，善意為之』；你必須專注於你的學業。