Play Hardball: When Negotiations Get Tough

Business English resource image for the idiom "play hardball." The image shows two worn baseballs, a glove, and a bat on green grass, symbolizing toughness or aggressive tactics. Overlaid text includes a short business dialogue using the idiom. Designed to help learners understand real-life usage of business idioms. Website: www.realbusinessenglish.com.

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

Play Hardball: Listen to a Real-Life Example

Play hardball meaning and examples. Advanced Business English idioms. Two men discuss a vendor discount in an office. One asks, the other replies about difficulties. Background shows a bright window.

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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