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play hardball

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.

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Submitted on September 01, 2009

Additional definitions for 'play hardball':

play hardballTo act rough and ruthless, especially in politics or business.
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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to play hardball

play it safeplay hob withplay for timeplay in Peoriaplay hookeyplay gooseberryplay inplay dumbplay inplay for loveplay gamesplay first fiddleplay into someone's handsplay both sides against the middle

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