Idiom
play hardball
To play hardball means to act very firmly and aggressively to get what you want, especially in negotiations or conflicts.
Meanings
To negotiate or compete in a very tough, uncompromising way in order to win.
Definition
If you play hardball, you use tough tactics and refuse to compromise easily. It often involves making strong demands, setting strict conditions, or using pressure to gain an advantage. The phrase is common in business, politics, and personal disputes when someone wants to win or control the outcome.
Examples
- The company decided to play hardball with suppliers to cut costs.
- If they play hardball, we may have to walk away from the deal.
- The union played hardball during the contract talks.
- He played hardball in court and refused to settle.
- They’re playing hardball to force us into accepting their terms.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use it for sports only, but play hardball is usually about tough negotiating or conflict, not just playing baseball.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.