🗓️ Idiom: Play Hard Ball (verb phrase)
💬 Meaning
- To act in a very tough and firm way in order to win a negotiation.
- To refuse to make concessions and use strong tactics.
🧠 Example Sentences
- The company decided to play hard ball with the union during salary talks.
- He always plays hard ball when negotiating contracts.
- Our competitors are playing hard ball to secure the biggest clients.
🏛️ Origin
The idiom comes from the sport of baseball. “Hardball” is the standard, serious version of the game, compared to “softball,” which is easier and less competitive. In business, “playing hard ball” means being strict and competitive rather than gentle or flexible.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
During the negotiation, the manager decided to __________ hard ball to protect the company’s interests.
Answer
play
2. Multiple choice:
What does “play hard ball” mean?
a) To be very flexible in discussions
b) To be tough and competitive in negotiations
c) To avoid making any decision
Answer
b) To be tough and competitive in negotiations
3. Change the sentence using play hard ball:
The lawyer used strict and aggressive tactics during the deal.
Answer
The lawyer played hard ball during the deal.
ℹ️ Other Useful Pages
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