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.

Current and former officials said that Russia’s increasing reliance on China means Beijing could play a productive role in bringing Putin to any peace deal—if Trump can convince it to play ball, that is.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 13, 2025

During the match, supporters in the stands held signs, including "Pawol making HERstory," and "the time has come for one & all to play ball".

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2025

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

Around the block I told people that I either wanted to play ball or teach.

From "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers