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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 fast and looseplay fast and looseplay it straightplay for timeplay first fiddleplay it straightplay dumbplay it coolplay inplay in PeoriaPlay Fast and Looseplay it by earplay for loveplay gooseberry

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