play the bad guy

Definition & Meaning of "[play] the bad guy"

to play the bad guy

to be strict, especially toward someone close to one, to help them improve or become stronger

What is the origin of the idiom "play the bad guy" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "play the bad guy" can be traced back to the concept of tough love and the idea that sometimes, in order to help someone grow or improve, it is necessary to adopt a role that challenges or pushes them beyond their comfort zone. The idiom draws on the idea that by assuming the role of the "bad guy," one takes on the responsibility of providing honest and sometimes harsh feedback, setting high standards, and refusing to go easy on the individual. It can be used in personal relationships, such as between friends, siblings, or mentors, where one individual assumes the role of providing honest feedback, tough love, or pushing the other beyond their comfort zone.

Example

The manager played the bad guy by refusing to accept subpar performance and consistently pushing their employees to deliver their best work.

The tough professor played the bad guy by giving strict assignments and holding high expectations to push the students towards academic excellence.

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.

The mentor played the bad guy by providing constructive criticism and pushing their mentee outside of their comfort zone to foster professional growth.