play ball

Idioms  

1. Cooperate, as in The opposing attorneys refused to play ball with us . [ Slang ; c. 1900]

2. Get going, start, as in It's time to get a move on; let's play ball . This usage comes from the baseball umpire's call to start a game. [ Slang ; late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Now, if only the energy gods would also play ball by keeping the lights on for the matches.

From Barron's • Jun. 14, 2026

But Dukakis didn't play ball, opting instead to purchase a replacement from the academy for $78.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Still, with more American buyers demanding this type of transparency, Chinese trading companies have to play ball or risk losing business, lawyers say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

In the third inning, Betts fielded what could have been an inning-ending double play ball, but his relay from shortstop was wide of second baseman Tommy Edman.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

“Did you tell him that he should play ball? Have you been encouraging him, Finley?”

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick