- 软刀子 ruǎndāozi soft knifea metaphor for a subtle, gradual, or imperceptible way of causing harm or destruction to someone
- 刀子嘴，豆腐心 dāozizuǐ, dòufuxīn sharp-tongued but kindto have a sharp tongue but a soft heart
- 刀子嘴巴，豆腐心 dāozizuǐba, dòufuxīn sharp-tongued but softheartedhaving a sharp tongue but a soft heart
- 天上下刀子 tiānshàngxiàdāozi extreme catastropheeven if something catastrophic or impossible happens; used to express determination regardless of extreme obstacles
