Play Hardball.
English
idiom
To act tough and refuse to give anything away.
Trusted by1.5M+English learners & teachers worldwide
To act tough and refuse to give anything away.
Trusted by1.5M+English learners & teachers worldwide
To act tough in a negotiation and refuse to give anything away.
When someone plays hardball, they use pressure and firm refusals instead of looking for a compromise.
It describes a deliberate tactic, so it isn't always meant as criticism.
"Drive a Hard Bargain"
—
Negotiate firmly but still make a deal
"Put the Screws On"
—
Pressure someone until they give in
"Play Hardball"
—
Act tough and refuse to concede
They're playing hardball on the delivery date, so I'd hold our position today.
Agreed. If they need this signed by month end, time is on our side.
The garage says the repair will cost double what they quoted.
Play hardball. Ask for the original quote in writing before you pay anything.
Did you get the apartment in the end?
Yes, but the owner played hardball for a month over the furniture.
