It describes someone who is more willing to cooperate when approached gently or politely, but becomes stubborn or resistant when pressured or threatened.
This reflects the Chinese emphasis on face and interpersonal harmony — direct confrontation or harsh demands often backfire, while tactful persuasion works better.
It highlights a social strategy: in China, preserving dignity and avoiding public conflict is crucial. The saying warns that aggressive tactics will fail, and that emotional intelligence is more effective than brute force.
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