play hardball with someone
对某人采取强硬手段
口语·商业或谈判中强硬态度
英文释义
to be tough, aggressive, or uncompromising in dealing with someone in a competitive situation
例句
The boss played hardball with the union during negotiations.
典故来源
源自棒球运动，hardball（硬式棒球）比软式棒球更激烈，比喻在商业或政治中采取强硬、不留情面的策略。