hardball

American  

[hahrd-bawl] / ˈhɑrdˌbɔl /

noun

1. baseball, as distinguished from softball.

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adjective

1. tough or ruthless.

   He wasn't ready for the hardball politics of Washington.

2. outspoken, challenging, or difficult.

   Reporters asked the president some hardball questions.

idioms

1. play hardball, to act or work aggressively, competitively, or ruthlessly, as in business or politics.

hardball British  

/ ˈhɑːdbɔːl /

noun

1. baseball as distinct from softball

2. informal to act in a ruthless or uncompromising way

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Etymology

Origin of hardball

First recorded in 1825–35; hard + ball ¹

Example Sentences

“At least judging from the first reactions, some European leaders are willing to play hardball,” Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING, wrote in a note to clients on Sunday.

From MarketWatch

The Dodgers easily swept the best-of-three duel with the overmatched Reds on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium with a frolicking 8-4 victory … just in time to uneasily hike into the home of heated hardball.

From Los Angeles Times

The council said the restriction only referred to adult hardball cricket and argued the decision was based on "advice received from professional and legal advisors".

From BBC

He was pressed by the committee chair, Dame Meg Hillier, on exactly which firms were "playing hardball", but they are yet to be named.

From BBC

Still, he wasn’t surprised to see business leaders start playing hardball.

From Los Angeles Times