Verb
(idiomatic) To use every means possible to achieve a goal, especially in disregarding the harm caused.
He was more than willing to extend the terms of the loan, but his boss decided to play hardball and demanded a balloon payment.
(idiomatic) To act rough and ruthless, especially in politics or business.
So you wanna play hardball?
Artists and art institutions have to learn how to play hardball. A democratic society needs a democratic art and we have a right to demand it. Hans Haacke
When I play ball, I play hardball. Kirstie Alley