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
Six years after the settlement, Dundon and his associates are playing hardball in negotiations with state and city leaders to secure public money to revamp Portland’s Moda Center.
From Salon ● Mar. 30, 2026
Still, he wasn’t surprised to see business leaders start playing hardball.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2025
And while there is now a completely new government, all the signs are the Treasury will still be playing hardball.
From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2024
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
