| 释义 |
hardball
hard·ball H0056900 (härd′bôl′)n.1. Baseball.2. Informal The use of any means, however ruthless, to attain an objective.hardball (ˈhɑːdbɔːl) n1. (Baseball) US and Canadian baseball as distinct from softball2. play hardball informal chiefly US and Canadian to act in a ruthless or uncompromising wayhard•ball (ˈhɑrdˌbɔl)
n. 1. baseball, as distinguished from softball. adj. 2. tough or ruthless: hardball politics. 3. outspoken, challenging, or difficult: hardball questions. Idioms: play hardball, to be aggressive and ruthless in one's dealings. [1825–35] Thesaurus| Noun | 1. | hardball - a no-nonsense attitude in business or politics; "they play hardball in the Senate"attitude, mental attitude - a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways; "he had the attitude that work was fun" | | 2. | hardball - baseball as distinguished from softballbaseball, baseball game - a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs; "he played baseball in high school"; "there was a baseball game on every empty lot"; "there was a desire for National League ball in the area"; "play ball!"softball game, softball - a game closely resembling baseball that is played on a smaller diamond and with a ball that is larger and softer |
Translationshardball
hardballAggressive behavior in pursuit of some goal. Typically used in the phrase "play hardball," meaning to engage in such behavior. We still haven't been able to reach an agreement—they're playing hardball with us, sir.play hardball (with one)To be ruthless, aggressive, or harsh (with one) in order to achieve a certain result, especially compared to previous, less aggressive tactics. I think it's time we play hardball with the suspect—he's not going to talk otherwise. We're prepared to play hardball with the company if it means we'll be paid the appropriate amount for our work.See also: hardball, playplay hardball (with someone)Fig. to act strong and aggressive about an issue with someone. Things are getting a little tough. The president has decided to play hardball on this issue. If he wants to play hardball with us, we can play that way, too.See also: hardball, playplay hardballAct aggressively and ruthlessly, as in It's only a month before the election, and I'm sure they'll start to play hardball. This term originated in baseball, where it alludes to using the standard ball as opposed to the slightly larger and minimally softer ball of softball. It was transferred to describe aggressive behavior only in the 1970s. See also: hardball, playplay hardball mainly AMERICANIf someone plays hardball, they will do anything that is necessary to achieve or obtain what they want, even if this involves being harsh or unfair. In past deals, Mr. Peng has shown he's willing to play hardball. The White House decided to retaliate by taking jobs away from his state, showing they were tough guys who could play hardball. Compare with play ball. Note: Hardball is the same as baseball, and is here being contrasted with softball, in which a larger, softer ball is used and the ball is thrown underarm. See also: hardball, playplay hardball use uncompromising and ruthless methods. informal In North America, hardball is literally baseball, especially as contrasted with softball. 2000 Environmental History The fact that Hayden wielded this unprecedented influence demonstrates that even at age 89 he was capable of playing hardball when the situation demanded it. See also: hardball, playplay ˈhardball (especially American English) used to refer to a way of behaving, especially in politics, that shows that a person is determined to get what they want: It’s time to play hardball with the unions. ♢ He’s playing hardball with a client of mine.See also: hardball, playplay hardball (with someone) tv. to act strong and aggressive about an issue with someone. Things are getting a little tough. The president has decided to play hardball on this issue. See also: hardball, play, someoneplay hardball verbSee play hardball with someoneSee also: hardball, playplay hardballBehave aggressively and competitively, act ruthlessly. The term comes from baseball, where it is used to distinguish the normal ball from the somewhat larger and softer ball used in softball. It began to be used figuratively in the 1970s. A New York Times article about Senate majority leader Bill Frist, pointing out that he needs to enlist support from Democrats, quoted him saying, “I can play hardball as well as anybody.”See also: hardball, playhardball
Related to hardball: play hardballAntonyms for hardballnoun a no-nonsense attitude in business or politicsRelated Wordsnoun baseball as distinguished from softballRelated WordsAntonyms |