Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Hardball Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚾
Add to dictionary

hardball

[ˈhɑːdbɔːl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

play

A tough or uncompromising attitude or approach in a situation.

Synonyms

aggressive tactics, tough approach, uncompromising attitude.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hardball

Typically used in business or political negotiations where one party takes a firm and often ruthless stance to achieve their goals.

  • The company decided to play hardball during the contract negotiations, refusing to make any concessions.
  • In politics, he is known for playing hardball to get his policies approved.
tough approach

Generally used in situations where a firm, strict, or unyielding method is employed, often to handle difficult circumstances or enforce discipline.

  • The new manager adopted a tough approach to improve team performance.
  • The school's tough approach on bullying led to a significant reduction in incidents.
uncompromising attitude

Describes a stance where a person or group shows no willingness to change their opinion or agree to less than what they want, often seen negatively in collaborative settings.

  • Her uncompromising attitude during the meeting made it difficult to reach a consensus.
  • Despite the offers, the activist maintained an uncompromising attitude on environmental issues.
aggressive tactics

Used in a variety of contexts, including sports, business, or conflict, where someone employs forceful and often bold actions to achieve a goal.

  • The coach encouraged aggressive tactics to dominate the game.
  • The competitor's aggressive tactics in the market helped them outshine the rival companies.

Examples of usage

  • He played hardball in the negotiation, refusing to make any concessions.
  • The manager's hardball tactics alienated many of his employees.
  • The company's hardball stance on pricing led to a loss of customers.
  • The politician's reputation for playing hardball earned him respect but also criticism.
  • She decided to play hardball with her competitors to maintain market dominance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The phrase is famously used in the title of a popular political talk show, 'Hardball with Chris Matthews,' emphasizing tough political discussions.
  • In sports films and dramas, the concept often features characters who must make tough decisions, reflecting the unyielding nature of hardball.
  • Video games often use 'hardball' modes, requiring players to adopt more aggressive strategies to succeed.

Psychology

  • Making hardball plays in negotiations can be linked to assertiveness, which involves standing up for oneself while respecting others.
  • Research suggests that people who use aggressive tactics can sometimes achieve short-term gains but risk long-term relationships.
  • Being too hardball can lead to stress and anxiety, affecting how individuals interact with others in various situations.

Literature

  • The term frequently appears in modern literature, often describing characters who navigate treacherous political or corporate landscapes.
  • Authors use hardball tactics to illustrate themes of conflict, power struggles, and moral dilemmas within their narratives.
  • Novels often incorporate hardball strategies as plot devices, showcasing the consequences of ruthless decision-making.

Business

  • In the corporate world, hardball tactics may involve aggressive negotiation strategies to gain a competitive edge.
  • Business leaders often face criticism when employing these tactics, as they can create negative perceptions among clients and colleagues.
  • Understanding when to use or avoid hardball approaches is a crucial skill for successful leaders in maintaining relationships.

Origin of 'hardball'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'hardball' originally comes from baseball, where a harder ball is used compared to a softer version.
  • It started being used metaphorically in the 1980s to describe aggressive tactics in politics and business negotiations.
  • The phrase implies no softness or easy tactics; everything is played for keeps, just like in real baseball.

The term 'hardball' originated in baseball, where it refers to the style of play characterized by aggressive and competitive tactics. The metaphorical use of 'hardball' to describe a tough or uncompromising attitude or approach in various situations emerged in the mid-20th century, reflecting the intensity and assertiveness associated with the sport. Over time, 'hardball' has become a common expression in business, politics, and other areas to describe a no-nonsense and competitive approach.

See also: hard, harden, hardening, harder, hardliner, hardly, hardness, hardship, hardships, hardware, hardy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,765, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.