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Play Hardball: When Negotiations Get Tough
- Erin West
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Learn Business English phrases with our Phrase of the Week!
This week’s phrase is perfect for situations where someone refuses to compromise.
What Would You Do in This Situation?
Imagine this! You're negotiating a deal with a potential partner. You’ve had a few good meetings, and things seem to be going smoothly.
Then the contract arrives.
You take a look and realize… they’ve changed some key terms and made things harder for you.
You call your manager.
“They’re really playing hardball,” you say.
Just like that, the tone of the negotiation has changed.
This Week’s Phrase:
PLAY HARDBALL
idiom
to be very tough and unwilling to compromise
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Play Hardball: Listen to a Real-Life Example
Play Hardball: More Real-Life Examples
Client Contract
The client’s legal team is being not flexible.
– How’s the contract going?\
– Slow. Their legal team is playing hardball.
– Over what?
– Payment terms and some legal clauses.
Salary Negotiation
The company is not willing to offer more money.
– Did you hear back about the offer?
– Yeah, but they’re playing hardball.
– Really? No wiggle room at all?
– Nope. It’s take it or leave it.
Project Deadline
Two team members are talking about trying to extend a project deadline, but the client won’t allow it.
– Did the client agree to push the deadline?
– No, they’re playing hardball.
– Seriously? Even after all the changes they made?
– Yeah. They want it done by Friday no matter what.
Let’s Chat!
Have you ever had to play hardball at work?
Yes, one time I needed help from another team, but they were very slow. I had to be strong and tell them we couldn’t wait. I usually try to be polite, but this time I had to play hardball to finish the project on time. (Lan, B2 level learner)
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