hardball


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Related to hardball: play hardball

hardball

Aggressive behavior in pursuit of some goal. Typically used in the phrase "play hardball," meaning to engage in such behavior. We still haven't been able to reach an agreement—they're playing hardball with us, sir.

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.
See also: hardball, play

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: hardball, play

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.
See also: hardball, play

play hardball

mainly AMERICAN
If 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.
See also: hardball, play

play hardball

use uncompromising and ruthless methods. informal
In 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.
See also: hardball, play

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.
See also: hardball, play

play hardball (with someone)

tv. 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.
See also: hardball, play, someone

play hardball

verb
See play hardball with someone
See also: hardball, play
References in periodicals archive ?
Stalk and Lachenauer observe that hardball winners practice the soft management skills, but always in the context of classic hardball play.
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Much of the material in this article is taken from a recent book by Pat Heim entitled Hardball for Women, Winning at the Game of Business.
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For the first ever time we won the Catholic Hardball Cup and became joint winners of the Liverpool Hardball League (shared with Gilmour CP & Rudston CP)," said Stuart Elsworth, the school's teacher in charge of cricket.
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BFI has played hardball a long time and always had its way over the public interest.
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The Fuller Index for the hardball ammo is between 45 and 46 percent 1-shot stops.
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We've had enough of these people," Gennifer Flowers complained to Chris Matthews on his Hardball talk show in August.
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He skirts past his work there under Lee Atwater, his mentor, except to say that it was "political hardball.
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Charles Krauthammer warned, "If she's gonna play a hardball game, she's gonna have to be prepared for attack hardball" - as if, once a woman gives advice about governing, it suddenly becomes "hardball.
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But his representatives are playing hardball by asking for a huge pay rise from PS32,00-a-week to almost double that of current top earner, Hugo Lloris.
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While the nation debates traditional marriage versus gay marriage, the president of the Christian Coalition, Roberta Combs, is encouraging and bankrolling a nasty, hardball divorce by her own daughter," Moseley told The Hill.
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She bashed the traditional hardball as unsafe for children's play.
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It's an indication they are willing to play hardball with Floyd, who signed a three-year, $4.
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