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Hardball: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "hardball" in other languages:

🇵🇹 jogo duro

🇮🇳 कठोर खेल

🇩🇪 hartes Spiel

🇮🇩 permainan keras

🇺🇦 жорстка гра

🇵🇱 twarda gra

🇯🇵 ハードボール

🇫🇷 jeu dur

🇪🇸 juego duro

🇹🇷 sert oyun

🇰🇷 하드볼

🇸🇦 اللعبة الصعبة

🇨🇿 tvrdá hra

🇸🇰 tvrdá hra

🇨🇳 硬球

🇸🇮 trda igra

🇮🇸 hörð leikur

🇰🇿 қатты ойын

🇬🇪 მძიმე თამაში

🇦🇿 sərt oyun

🇲🇽 juego duro

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.