squeeze play

American  

noun

1. Baseball.

   1. Also called suicide squeeze play, suicide squeeze. a play executed when there is a runner on third base and usually not more than one out, in which the runner starts for home as soon as the pitcher makes a motion to pitch, and the batter bunts.

   2. Also called safety squeeze play, safety squeeze. a similar play in which the runner on third base waits until the batter has successfully bunted before trying to score.

2. the application of pressure or influence on a person or group in order to force compliance or gain an advantage.

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squeeze play Idioms  

1. A situation in which pressure exerted to obtain a concession or achieve a goal, as in Workers sometimes feel caught in a squeeze play between union and management. This expression, dating from about 1900, originated in baseball, where it refers to a prearranged play in which the runner on third base breaks for home plate on the pitch, and the batter bunts. [c. 1915]

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Etymology

Origin of squeeze play

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

squeeze play

In the ninth, the Dodgers put on a squeeze play with runners on the corners and no outs, tying the score when Chris Taylor’s bunt got away from Mets reliever Adam Ottavino.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2024

Then Kevin Smith brought in another run on a successful squeeze play.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 12, 2023

The New York Times criticized Mitchell for “an ugly squeeze play by the administration to force Fortas off the bench,” but it did nothing to deter his efforts.

From Slate ● Feb. 1, 2023

A strip of moisture will be entrained by the atmospheric squeeze play, since lows spin counterclockwise and highs rotate clockwise.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 23, 2021

Fearing an attempted squeeze play, Eliot signaled for Rod to keep the ball high and close on Cline.

From Rival Pitchers of Oakdale by Morgan Scott