hardballs
Cork-centered game balls
Hardballs is the plural of hardball, which is baseball played with a regulation ball—as opposed to softball.
The ball itself is also a hardball.
The figurative sense dominates: to play hardball is to use aggressive, uncompromising tactics in negotiation or competition.
They're playing hardballs with the union.
Tanned animal skin
- stitchingJoining with needle, thread
- pitcherPouring vessel or hurler
- moundHeaped earth formation
- diamondCrystallized carbon gemstone
catcher · fastball · curveball · slider · inning · dugout · bullpen · strikeout
Hostile and confrontational
- ruthlessLacking any compassion
- cutthroatViciously competitive or murderous
- competitiveDriven by rivalry
- confrontationalInclined toward hostile encounters
merciless · relentless · shrewd · calculated · hardnosed · unsparing · fierce · forceful
Unable to bend
- adamantStubbornly refusing to yield
- sternStrict or ship's aft
- rigidUnable to bend
- unbendingRefusing to change position
obstinate · unrelenting · strict · resolute · steadfast · unflinching · unwavering · intransigent
leather
Tanned animal skin
diamond · catcher · fastball · curveball · slider · inning · dugout · bullpen · strikeout · bunt
aggressive
Hostile and confrontational
- ruthlessLacking any compassion
- cutthroatViciously competitive or murderous
- competitiveDriven by rivalry
confrontational · merciless · relentless · shrewd · calculated · hardnosed · unsparing · fierce · forceful · intense
inflexible
Unable to bend
unbending · obstinate · unrelenting · strict · resolute · steadfast · unflinching · unwavering · intransigent · firm
hardballssoftballs
Easily handled questions
foam balls · sponge balls · beach balls · stress balls · tennis balls
hardballssoftballs
Easily handled questions
kid gloves · soft touch · olive branches · compromises · concessions
- played hardballCompeted without mercy
- playing hardballUsing ruthless tactics
- play hardballCompete without mercy