- 一个巴掌拍不响 yīgebāzhǎngpāibùxiǎng cooperation requiredit is difficult to achieve anything alone or without the support and cooperation of others
- 打一巴掌，给个甜枣 dǎyībāzhang, gěigètiánzǎo stick and carrotto deal harshly with someone and then offer something by way of consolation; a tactic of alternating punishment and reward