hardball

/ˈhɑrdˌbɔl/
adjective
  1. Characterized by tough, aggressive, or uncompromising tactics.
    • His hardball style of management made him unpopular with employees.
    • The company took a hardball approach to the union talks.
    • They used hardball tactics to win the contract.
noun
  1. Baseball (as opposed to softball), played with a hard ball.
    • The kids played hardball in the park every afternoon.
    • Hardball requires more protective gear than softball.
    • He switched from softball to hardball in high school.
  2. Tough, uncompromising, or aggressive behavior, especially in business or politics.
    • She decided to play hardball and demand a full refund.
    • In the world of corporate mergers, hardball is the norm.
    • The negotiations turned into hardball when neither side would give in.
Synonyms
Antonyms
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