Play hardball.
/pleɪ ˈhɑrdˌbɔl/
Be uncompromising and tough.
Play hardball" is an idiom derived from the sport of baseball, suggesting a style of play that is aggressive and uncompromising. In business or politics, playing hardball means dealing with matters in a very determined and even ruthless manner. Understanding when and how to play hardball can be crucial in negotiations where high stakes are involved. This idiom helps describe scenarios where only the toughest measures will lead to success, emphasizing the importance of assertiveness and strategic planning in achieving one's goals.
Example Sentences
When it comes to negotiations, Mike always plays hardball to get the best deal.
In this scenario, Mike uses aggressive and uncompromising tactics during negotiations in order to achieve the most favorable outcomes.
She decided to play hardball with the vendors to lower the prices.
Here, the person is taking a firm and assertive stance with vendors to force a reduction in costs.
In the corporate world, if you don’t play hardball, you might find yourself at a disadvantage during major deals.
This outlines a situation where being aggressive and uncompromising in business negotiations is necessary to avoid losing ground in important transactions.
