play ball

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But Dukakis didn't play ball, opting instead to purchase a replacement from the academy for $78.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Still, with more American buyers demanding this type of transparency, Chinese trading companies have to play ball or risk losing business, lawyers say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

And there’s the whole other theme here where it would appear that Adams was coached by Bove to essentially offer: I’ll really play ball on immigration if you’ll dismiss the cases.

From Slate • Feb. 14, 2025

"That helps the whole ecosystem know where it's okay to play ball and where it's not," Farmer told the TV station.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2025

I was down with any school that wanted me to come and play ball.

From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers