English / idiom
Play Hardball
MEANING IN ENGLISH
To act aggressively, ruthlessly, or uncompromisingly to achieve one's goal
In context
01
When the supplier refused our initial terms, our executive decided to play hardball.
02
The union is ready to play hardball in the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations.
Synonyms
act tough,take a hard line,drive a hard bargain
Antonyms
compromise,yield,play soft
Collocations
ready to play hardball,time to play hardball,play hardball in negotiations