This sentence comes from Xunzi's "Xunzi: Honor and Disgrace". It means: (When) you want to sever (relationship) with someone, and you use harsh words in your words, (this) is not a sign of ruthlessness, (but) a fear of (oneself) going back on it.

"The Chapter of Honor and Disgrace" specifically talks about people's pursuit of honor and their aversion to shame. A gentleman pursues the honor of etiquette and justice, but he can often lead to the honor of the times, so that both honors can be obtained, which is in line with Tao. The villain only pursues the honor of the times and does not avoid the shame of etiquette and justice, and the shame of etiquette and justice often leads to the shame of the times. Therefore, the honor of both etiquette, justice and the times cannot be obtained, which is not in line with the Tao. The ultimate goal of a gentleman's pursuit of etiquette and honor is to serve the people of the world.

Famous aphorisms in "Xunzi"

1. Learning is impossible. Green is derived from blue, and green is from blue; ice is derived from water, and is cold from water. ——"Encouraging Learning"

2. Great skill does not do anything, and great wisdom does not worry about anything. ——"Treatise on Heaven"

3. When wood is supported by a rope, it will be straight; when metal is sharpened, it will be beneficial. If a gentleman is knowledgeable and examines himself every day, he will know clearly and act without mistakes. ——"Encouraging Learning"

4. If you don't climb high mountains, you don't know how high the sky is; if you don't go to the deep streams, you don't know how thick the earth is; if you don't listen to the last words of the former kings, you don't know how great knowledge is. ——"Encouragement to Study"