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play hardball

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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.
See also: play
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 (often + with ) The company is playing hardball with the bank, holding back on payments it owes them to force an agreement.
See also: play
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.
Related vocabulary: 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
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SMALL businesses that are afraid to play hardball with late-paying clients run the risk of becoming victims of the recession, according to a local tax and accountancy specialist.
Small firms must get tough with late-paying clients, says expert by Coventry Evening Telegraph (England)
Jeremy Peace played hardball with Celtic over Tony and we would play hardball with them over Darren.
IRVINE TOP OF HIT LIST AT ALBION; Football Spy EVERY SINGLE DAY THE ... by The Mirror (London, England)
Byline: BY KEN GAUNT Daily Post Correspondent WIGAN will play hardball if necessary in a bid to keep Emile Heskey on their books until the end of the season at least.
Bruce keen for Heskey to stay by Daily Post (Liverpool, England)
 
 
 
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