Play ball with Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To cooperate or work together with someone, especially when it's necessary to achieve something. It often means agreeing to someone's requests or demands in order to get what you want.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal idiomatic expression. Often used in negotiations or when asking someone to go along with a plan. Not about literal sports or games. Common phrases: "refuse to play ball", "won't play ball with me".
Example Sentences
We need everyone to play ball with us to finish this project.
basic
If you don't play ball with the team, we can't succeed.
basic
The boss hopes the new partner will play ball with us.
basic
They promised to lower the prices if we play ball with them.
natural
I tried to get them to play ball with me, but they just wouldn't budge.
natural
Let's just play ball with their ideas for now and see what happens.
natural