This describes a person who only listens to harsh, forceful words or actions, and ignores gentle persuasion or kindness. It's used to characterize someone as stubborn, tough, or unresponsive to soft approaches.
This saying reflects the Chinese understanding of interpersonal tactics: some people need a firm hand, not a soft touch. It's often used in parenting, management, or dealing with difficult people.
This saying is a practical observation about human nature. It signals that the speaker is pragmatic and has assessed the situation realistically, rather than relying on idealistic assumptions that everyone responds to kindness.
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