play hardball
To use every means possible to achieve a goal, especially in disregarding the harm caused.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The company is playing hardball to win the contract.”
“You need to play hardball if you want a better price for that car.”
“When the negotiations stalled, the manager decided to play hardball and threatened to cancel the entire project.”
“The landlord is playing hardball by demanding the full rent immediately and refusing to fix the broken heater until he gets paid.”
“After the neighbors complained about the fence, the homeowner decided to play hardball and called the city to report their illegal garage.”
“By refusing to compromise on any of the terms, the union leaders signaled their intent to play hardball throughout the duration of the labor dispute.”
Derived from the American sport of baseball, the term distinguishes the heavier and harder ball from its softer, lighter counterpart, the softball. The harder ball allows for a faster, more aggressive style of play, and the phrase passed into general use to describe a similarly uncompromising approach to negotiation or competition.
- 01
child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
- 02
go play in the traffic
To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.
- 03
grandstand play
A successful play or other manoeuvre during a sporting competition in which one or more players shows off unnecessarily in order to entertain or impress the spectators.
- 04
hold-up play
A play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.
- 05
play a part
To be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.
- 06
play a role
To have an effect or influence on a situation or outcome; to contribute to something.
- 07
play all one's cards
To use all one's resources.
- 08
play along
To take part in a charade, deception, or practical joke.
Last updated August 10, 2026