play hardball
play hardball (with one)
To be ruthless, aggressive, or harsh (with one) in order to achieve a certain result, especially compared to previous, less aggressive tactics. I think it's time we play hardball with the suspect—he's not going to talk otherwise. We're prepared to play hardball with the company if it means we'll be paid the appropriate amount for our work.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
play hardball (with someone)
Fig. to act strong and aggressive about an issue with someone. Things are getting a little tough. The president has decided to play hardball on this issue. If he wants to play hardball with us, we can play that way, too.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
play hardball
Act aggressively and ruthlessly, as in It's only a month before the election, and I'm sure they'll start to play hardball. This term originated in baseball, where it alludes to using the standard ball as opposed to the slightly larger and minimally softer ball of softball. It was transferred to describe aggressive behavior only in the 1970s.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
play hardball
mainly AMERICANIf someone plays hardball, they will do anything that is necessary to achieve or obtain what they want, even if this involves being harsh or unfair. In past deals, Mr. Peng has shown he's willing to play hardball. The White House decided to retaliate by taking jobs away from his state, showing they were tough guys who could play hardball. Compare with play ball. Note: Hardball is the same as baseball, and is here being contrasted with softball, in which a larger, softer ball is used and the ball is thrown underarm.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
play hardball
use uncompromising and ruthless methods. informalIn North America, hardball is literally baseball, especially as contrasted with softball.
2000 Environmental History The fact that Hayden wielded this unprecedented influence demonstrates that even at age 89 he was capable of playing hardball when the situation demanded it.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
play ˈhardball
(especially American English) used to refer to a way of behaving, especially in politics, that shows that a person is determined to get what they want: It’s time to play hardball with the unions. ♢ He’s playing hardball with a client of mine.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
play hardball
verbMcGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
play hardball
Behave aggressively and competitively, act ruthlessly. The term comes from baseball, where it is used to distinguish the normal ball from the somewhat larger and softer ball used in softball. It began to be used figuratively in the 1970s. A New York Times article about Senate majority leader Bill Frist, pointing out that he needs to enlist support from Democrats, quoted him saying, “I can play hardball as well as anybody.”
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer