play hardball
The phrase "play hardball" originates from baseball and is used metaphorically to describe aggressive and uncompromising behavior, especially in competitive situations.
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Definition
C1General
(informal, idiomatic)To act aggressively and ruthlessly to achieve a goal, often disregarding the harm caused to others.
Example
- In business, sometimes you have to play hardball to get what you want.
C1Negotiations
(informal, idiomatic)To negotiate in a tough, uncompromising manner, refusing to yield or make concessions.
Example
- During the contract discussions, the union decided to play hardball.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "play hardball":
go hardplay ballhard outtake no prisonersplay the man and not the ballballs to the wallplay fast and looseswing for the fenceshard sellplay the anglescome on stronghard as nailsfull-court pressgo to batplay the ball and not the manplay it straighthard byharden updie hard