English Explanatory Dictionary

play hardball

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To use every means possible to achieve a goal, especially in disregarding the harm caused.
  2. To act rough and ruthless, especially in business or politics.

Pronunciation

En-au-play hardball.ogg

Word forms

play hardball plays hardball playing hardball played hardball

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 (i.e. softball).

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