hardball

noun 2adj 1verb 1

Collocations

ADJ.

southern

VERB + HARDBALL

likes, play, playing

HARDBALL + NOUN

people

PREP.

in, with

noun

In baseball, a type of ball and baseball game, as opposed to softball.

Tough or ruthless behavior, especially in combat, politics or business.

adj

Being or exhibiting tough or ruthless behavior, especially in combat, politics or business.

verb

To exhibit tough and ruthless behavior towards another individual.

To use every means possible to achieve a goal, especially in disregarding the harm caused.

He was more than willing to extend the terms of the loan, but his boss decided to play hardball and demanded a balloon payment.

He likes to play hardball with people.

Tatoeba · #299217

China is said to be playing hardball in the Southern Seas.

Tatoeba · #899274

If they refuse our offer, we'll have to play hardball.

Tatoeba · #13217350

i Register

In some senses, hardball is marked as figuratively, informal. Watch for register when choosing this word.

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