To use every means possible to achieve a goal, especially in disregarding the harm caused.
Etymology:
- From the American sport of baseball; the hardball is the heavier and harder type of the two types of throwing ball used when playing that sport.
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“
He was more than willing to extend the terms of the loan, but his boss decided to play hardball and demanded a balloon payment.
Submitted on September 01, 2009
Additional definitions for 'play hardball':
| play hardball | To act rough and ruthless, especially in politics or business. |
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"play hardball." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 22 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/play-hardball_6141>.
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