hardball
hardball · hardballs
In baseball, a type of ball and baseball game, as opposed to softballIn baseball, a type of ball and baseball game, as opposed to softball.
US/hˈɑɹdbˌɔl/
» He likes to play hardball with people.
Meaning
2 senses(countable, uncountable)In baseball, a type of ball and baseball game, as opposed to softball.
baseball as distinguished from softball
(countable, figuratively, uncountable)Tough or ruthless behavior, especially in combat, politics or business.
a no-nonsense attitude in business or politics
Examples
3 sentencesHe likes to play hardball with people.
If they refuse our offer, we'll have to play hardball.
ruЕсли они отклонят наше предложение, придётся действовать жёстко. — Ooneykcall
China is said to be playing hardball in the Southern Seas.
Origin
From hard + ball.From hard + ball.
Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Forms
plural: hardballsAntonyms
1 antonymsWord family
1 related wordsDerivedhardballer
Lessons for this word
1 lessons- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable