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play hardball. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
play hardball, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
play hardball in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
play hardball you have here. The definition of the word
play hardball will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
play hardball, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From the American sport of baseball; the hardball is the heavier and harder type of the two types of throwing ball used when playing that sport (i.e. softball).
Pronunciation
Verb
play hardball (third-person singular simple present plays hardball, present participle playing hardball, simple past and past participle played hardball)
- (idiomatic, informal) To use every means possible to achieve a goal, especially in disregarding the harm caused.
He was more than willing to extend the terms of the loan, but his boss decided to play hardball and demanded a balloon payment.
- (idiomatic, informal) To act rough and ruthless, especially in business or politics.
So you wanna play hardball?
2021 October 6, Christian Wolmar, “Both sides must work together to get London back on track”, in RAIL, number 941, page 35:But if ministers keep on playing hardball with TfL because of narrow party interests, London will lose out. Forcing a 4.8% rise on London fares will only encourage congestion at a time when the roads are already full and public transport is underused.
Translations