Play hardball Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈhɑɹdˌbɔɫ
PLAY HARD-bawl
plˈeɪ/ /hˈɑːdbɔːl
play HAHD-bawl
Definition
To act aggressively, strictly, or with tough tactics to get what you want, especially in business or negotiations.
Usage & Nuances
Informal expression, mostly in business, politics, or serious situations. Implies being tough, not compromised, and sometimes ruthless. Often used when someone stops being gentle or flexible to get results.
Spanish: jugar duro - actuar con durezaPortuguese (BR): jogar duro - adotar uma postura duraPortuguese (PT): jogar duro - adotar uma postura duraChinese (Simplified): 强硬手段Chinese (Traditional): 強硬手段Hindi: सख्ती से पेश आनाArabic: يلعب بقسوة - يتبع سياسة صارمةBengali: কঠিনভাবে খেলা - কঠোরভাবে আচরণ করাRussian: жёстко действовать - играть по-крупномуJapanese: 強硬な手段を取るVietnamese: chơi rắn - dùng biện pháp cứng rắnKorean: 강경하게 행동하다 - 강하게 밀어붙이다Turkish: sert oynamak - tavizsiz davranmakUrdu: سخت اقدامات کرنا - سختی سے پیش آناIndonesian: bermain keras - bertindak tegas
Example Sentences
Sometimes you have to play hardball to win a contract.
basic
If they raise their prices, we may need to play hardball.
basic
He is ready to play hardball during these talks.
basic
Our competitors started to play hardball, so we had to respond.
natural
You can't always be nice—sometimes you need to play hardball to get respect.
natural
They thought we would back down, but we decided to play hardball this time.
natural