泣ないて馬ば謖しょくを斬きる

expression

punishing someone you love to uphold the rules; being just before one is generous

Idiomatic expression derived from a Chinese historical episode. Used when a leader reluctantly punishes a valued subordinate to maintain discipline or justice. The literal meaning is 'shedding tears while beheading Ma Su'.

• 彼かれは泣ないて馬ば謖しょくを斬きる思おもいで、長なが年ねん連つれ添そった部ぶ下かを解かい雇こした。

  With a heavy heart, he fired his long-time subordinate, like shedding tears while beheading Ma Su.