playing hardball
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.
“Agencies are just looking to squeeze down that fee, and they’re playing hardball to try and cut the rate that Trade Desk is charging them,” said Luke Stillman, managing director of Madison and Wall.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 27, 2026
Still, he wasn’t surprised to see business leaders start playing hardball.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2025
They are also pretty good at playing hardball, as former captain Ilkay Gundogan found out in 2023 when City refused to buckle over the Germany midfielder's demands for a two-year deal.
From BBC ● Apr. 4, 2025
It’s the latest indication that Mr. Musk is playing hardball to cut costs at the social media company.
From New York Times ● Dec. 14, 2022
House leaders are increasingly playing hardball with the rogue lawmakers.
From Salon ● Aug. 25, 2021
