软硬兼施 both soft and hard
Explanation
软硬兼施指的是既用温和的手段，又用强硬的手段，同时使用多种方法。
It means using both soft and hard methods simultaneously to achieve a goal.
Origin Story
话说有一位商人，为了做成一笔大生意，他决定拜访一位非常有权势的官员。这位官员为人非常强硬，但商人深知，只用强硬的手段是不可能说服他的。于是，商人决定软硬兼施。首先，他精心准备了一份价值不菲的礼物送给官员，并用诚恳的态度向他说明自己的来意，希望能够得到他的支持。但官员仍然态度冷淡，不为所动。这时，商人展现了他另一面。他详细列举了这笔生意对官员的有利之处，并暗示如果合作失败，将会给官员带来巨大的损失。面对商人的软硬兼施，官员最终点头同意了这笔合作。这笔生意最终顺利完成，双方都获益匪浅。
Once, a businessman wanted to secure a large deal and decided to visit a powerful official. This official was known for his harsh demeanor, but the businessman realized that a hard approach alone wouldn't work. He decided on a dual strategy—using both soft and hard tactics. First, he prepared a valuable gift and approached the official with sincerity, explaining his intentions and hoping for support. However, the official remained unmoved. Then, the businessman shifted gears. He meticulously outlined the benefits the deal would bring to the official, subtly hinting at the substantial losses the official would suffer if the deal fell through. Faced with this combination of soft persuasion and hard realities, the official finally agreed. The deal was successfully completed, benefiting both parties.
Usage
作谓语、宾语；指各种办法都用上。
Used as predicate and object; refers to using various methods.
Examples
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公司为了让小王签合同，对他软硬兼施。
gongsi wei le rang xiaowang qian hetong, dui ta ruanying jianshi. mian dui daitu de weixie, ta ji bu ruanruo, ye bu tuoxie, shizhong baochi zhe jianqiang de yizhi
The company used every means to persuade Xiao Wang to sign the contract.
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面对歹徒的威胁，他既不软弱，也不妥协，始终保持着坚强的意志。
In the face of the gangster's threat, he remained firm and unyielding, demonstrating strong will.