to play the bad guy
01
to be strict, especially toward someone close to one, to help them improve or become stronger
![to [play] the bad guy definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/44540/original/?type=jpeg "to [play] the bad guy definition and meaning")
Idiom
Informal
Exempel
As a coach, I had to play the bad guy and push my team during training to ensure they reached their full potential on the field.
My older brother played the bad guy by challenging me to take on more responsibilities and not letting me settle for mediocrity.
