Life has dealt them some 'cruel blows' in recent years. [=some very bad things have happened to them in recent years]
The law forbids 'cruel and unusual punishment'. [=punishment that is very harsh and inappropriate for the crime]
I thought it was rather 'cruel' [='unkind'] of them to give her all the dirty work.
(..) "and a great nation, and many Kings "shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth. "They shall hold the bow and the Lance, "they are cruel, and will not show mercy..." Not such a great army, after all, my Lord Bishop. What do you think, your grace? Can we not expect to dispose (..)2017 TvShow: Vikings Title: Revenge Season: 4 Episode 18