play hardball

play hardball (American & Australian)

to be so determined to get what you want, especially in business, that you use methods that are unfair or harm other people. The company is playing hardball with the bank, holding back on payments it owes them to force an agreement. (often + with)

See also: play

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play hardball

to behave in an unpleasant, threatening way so that you get what you want. Some of these religious groups play hardball with those who leave the faith.

go for the jugular

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of hardball (= the game of baseball, which is played with a small, hard ball)

See also: play