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.
Kroger is playing hardball in its intensified pursuit of low prices, acting more like Walmart than a typical supermarket chain, Sarah Nassauer and Patrick Thomas report for The Wall Street Journal.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 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
But to Ms. Ewen, a 35-year veteran of business reporting, the episode shows that the industry is trying to divert attention from real problems — and that some members are playing hardball.
From New York Times ● Apr. 20, 2023
