hardball

hardball Definition

☆ hard·ball (härd′bôl′)

noun

1. a kind of baseball characterized by hard-thrown overhand pitching
2. the ball typically used in this game; baseball (sense )
any ruthless, aggressive, highly competitive form of politics, business, etc.: esp. in the phrase play hardball, to engage in some activity in a ruthless, highly competitive way

adjective

of or characterized by ruthlessness, competitiveness, coercion, etc. hardball business practices

hardball Usage Examples

Converse of object

play: He wants to play hardball on union negotiations, well he has come up with someone who knows how the game is really played.

Adjective modifier

political: WASHINGTON -- It took a dose of political hardball in Congress nearly two decades ago to launch Boston's Big Dig.

Modifies a noun

tactic: Indeed, the Mainline churches are facing hardball tactics.
game: By 1929 official court plans were being sold by the USSRA and the hardball game was brought into controlled growth.
negotiator: Never go head-to-head with a hardball negotiator because you will always lose.
event: The US Open was first held in 1954 as a mixed professional and amateur hardball squash event.

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