Meaning of Play Hardball
To play hardball means to act aggressively or even ruthlessly to achieve a certain goal, usually in opposition to another person; to be unpleasant and threatening; to act tough and uncompromising.
Sentence Examples
“It’s time we play hardball. I want you to dig up some dirt on our opposition.”
“He is a humble and decent guy but don’t be fooled—he can play hardball when he needs to.”
“He told himself that playing hardball was what it took to make it in business but, in reality, he just didn’t care about anyone but himself.”
“This guy’s playing hardball. I got to say, I’m kind of impressed by him.” — Old School (2003)
“I’ve been playing hardball with Van Gundy. I told her kids we were offering $100 million. I suggested they make her life difficult until she accepts so they’ve all moved back home.” — Mr. Popper’s Penguins (2011)
“You just tell Mr. Enright that if he doesn’t want to talk to me, maybe the district attorney would like to talk to me. If he wants to play hardball, I’ll play hardball.” — Quiz Show (1994)
Origin
The game of baseball is sometimes called hardball, which differentiates it from the game of softball, which uses a slightly larger and softer ball. The smaller and harder ball is seen as more difficult to play with and baseball is often thought to be a more aggressive game when compared to softball, hence the allusion in this idiom, which has been used since the 1970s.
Note that the allusion in this idiom reflects a prevailing assumption about baseball compared to softball. This assumption is not necessarily true.