History Main / LendingABackhand

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* [[DiscussedTrope Discussed]] in ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheOrderOfThePhoenix''. When Snape trains Harry in Occlumency, a method of PsychicBlockDefense against Voldemort's mind reading, Ron theorizes that he's actually trying to weaken Harry's mind to make it easier for Voldemort to read it. This is quickly refuted by Hermione, who points out that they've made similar accusations against Snape every year, only to realize Snape was trying to help them all along.
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If a character made things worse but actually did intend to help, that's UnwantedAssistance or WellIntentionedExtremist. If a character hurts another character ''to'' help them, that's CruelToBeKind or ToughLove. Compare BaitTheDog if it seemed like a character was about to help, but did the exact opposite instead.

** Double subverted with Dennis’s dealings with the protagonist. The protagonist is suspicious of Dennis from the start, but Dennis doesn’t act hostile toward him at first. He first offers a deal, and then a way for him to sleep with Ms. Walsh, which works if he tries it. Soon, though, he starts acting devious and manipulative, all in the name of helping his “buddy ol’ pal.”

* ''Film/KungFuPanda2'': After Shen lies to Po and tells him that his parents abandoned him because they never loved him, Po crosses the DespairEventHorizon and can't bring himself to keep fighting. Shen then lights a cannon and aims it at him, asking Po to "let him heal him" by killing him.

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* In ''Series/{{Arrow}}'', there was a RunningGag of Oliver shooting arrows at his friends and allies, with some of the instances where he did it for the 'good' of the person. In the crossover with ''Series/{{The Flash|2014}}'', "Flash vs. Arrow", he shoots two arrows into Barry's back as part of his 'training' to be aware of his surroundings.

[[folder:MythologyAndReligion]]
* In ''Literature/TheFourGospels'', Jesus stated that he was thirsty while being crucified. Someone holds a wet sponge up to his mouth... that turns out to be soaked with sour wine and gall. Understandably, he was unwilling to drink any more after one taste.

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* In ''VisualNovel/SuperDanganRonpa2'', Monokuma traps the students in a funhouse and denies them food until one of the students commits a murder. A few days later, the students are beginning to starve to death. Monokuma notices that the students look "unhealthy" and "helps them be healthier" by forcing them to participate in "Monokuma Tai Chi", an exercise which exhausts the students and leaves them hungrier than before.

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* In ''VideoGame/SuperDanganRonpa2'', Monokuma traps the students in a funhouse and denies them food until one of the students commits a murder. A few days later, the students are beginning to starve to death. Monokuma notices that the students look "unhealthy" and "helps them be healthier" by forcing them to participate in "Monokuma Tai Chi", an exercise which exhausts the students and leaves them hungrier than before.

* ''VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas'': If playing for Mr. House, the 6th quest in his quest line has the player protect President Kimball, the leader of the NCR [[note]]One of Mr. House's enemies attempting to take control of the Strip[[/note]] expedition in the Mojave Wasteland from three assassination attempts. This is ultimately done to ensure Kimball ([[GeneralFailure who was already blamed for the seven-year stalemate between Mr. House and the Legion]]) is blamed for the loss of Hoover Dam instead of Mr. House when Mr. House takes over, preventing all-out war between the NCR and Mr. House.

Sometimes a character in a story will want to inflict some kind of damage to someone else without arousing suspicion or losing good reputation. Lending a Backhand, or giving someone "help" that actually hurts them, is just the tool for this character. Reasons for this vary; perhaps a StarScream or FauxAffablyEvil type wants to lull their target into a false sense of security, gradually weaken them, or gain their target's trust before making a power move, but whatever the motive, the Backhand is designed to hurt the recipient while appearing to help them on the surface.

Sometimes a character in a story will want to inflict some kind of damage to someone else while not only avoiding losing good reputation, but actually ''gaining'' it in the process. Lending a Backhand, or giving someone "help" that actually hurts them, is just the tool for this character. Reasons for this vary; perhaps a StarScream or FauxAffablyEvil type wants to lull their target into a false sense of security, gradually weaken them, or gain their target's trust before making a power move, but whatever the motive, the Backhand is designed to hurt the recipient while appearing to help them on the surface.

Sometimes a character in a story will want to inflict some kind of damage without taking blame or suffering consequences such as loss of good reputation. Lending a Backhand is just the tool for this character. Reasons for this vary; perhaps a StarScream or FauxAffablyEvil type wants to lull their target in to a false sense of security, gradually weaken them, and remain free of suspicion before making a power move, but whatever the motive, the Backhand is designed to hurt the recipient while appearing to help them on the surface.

Alternatively, if both parties are aware that the helper's up to no good, this could be used to [[KickThemWhileTheyAreDown mock someone in trouble]]: what better way to add insult to injury than offering "help" that really makes things go FromBadToWorse, claiming you're helping, and calling them an UngratefulBastard when they complain?

* Film/KarateKid3: Terry Silver offers to train Daniel. During the training he gets Daniel to cause himself physical harm punching boards and steers Daniel away from Mr Miyagi’s teaching, all to separate him from his support group and make him weaker for the showdown with Bad Boy Barne

* [[DiscussedTrope Discussed]] in ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheOrderOfThePhoenix''. When Snape trains Harry in Occlumency, a method of PsychicBlockDefense against Voldemort's mind reading, Ron theorizes that he's actually trying to weaken Harry's mind to make it easier for Voldemort to read it. Quickly jossed by Hermione, who points out that they've made similar accusations against Snape every year, only to realize Snape was trying to help them all along.

* In ''Literature/TheFourGospels'', Jesus stated that he was thirsty while being crucified. Someone quenches his thirst by holding a wet sponge up to his mouth... that turns out to be soaked with sour wine and gall. Understandably, he was unwilling to drink any more after one taste.

Sometimes a character in a story will want to inflict some kind of damage without taking blame or suffering consequences such as loss of good reputation. Lending a Backhand is just the tool for this character. Reasons for this vary; perhaps a StarScream or FauxAffablyEvil type wants to lull their target in to a false sense of security and remain free of suspicion before making a power move, but whatever the motive, the Backhand is designed to hurt the recipient while appearing to help them on the surface.