hardball
n. uncountable C1 Advanced US //ˈhɑɹdˌbɔɫ// UK //hˈɑːdbɔːl// hard·ball
n. a way of doing something that is very direct, tough, and not friendly. It is often used when talking about business or politics where people are not being nice.
n. a style of behavior or negotiation characterized by a lack of compromise and a focus on winning at all costs. Often used in the phrase 'to play hardball' to describe aggressive tactics in business or politics.
The union decided to play hardball and stop working.
After months of polite negotiations, the company finally started playing hardball by threatening to move the factory.
While the initial talks were friendly, the moment the budget was mentioned, the committee members began playing hardball, refusing to budge on their core demands.