plays ball

Joins the team

Plays ball means to cooperate or go along with what someone wants.

The phrase comes from the literal sense of participating in a ball game, which requires following rules and working with others.

Someone who plays ball agrees to the terms being offered: The witness refused to play ball with prosecutors.

Someone who doesn't play ball is being uncooperative or difficult.

cooperation

cooperates

Works jointly with others

collaboratesWorks jointly with others
compliesFollows a directive
conformsMatches expected standards

participates · goes along · aligns · assists · contributes · facilitates · helps · partners · supports · unites

agreement

agrees

Holds the same opinion

consentsGrants approval formally
assentsExpresses concurrence
goes along withMoves or agrees together

says yes · signs on · buys in · falls in line · endorses · affirms · concurs · acquiesces · accedes · subscribes

negotiation

compromises

Settlements through mutual concession

bargainsGoods at reduced prices
negotiatesDiscusses to reach agreement
comes to termsAccepts a difficult reality

settles · reciprocates · bends · yields · accommodates · wheels and deals · comes around

sports

catches

Seizes in motion

throwsPropels through air
pitchesThrows or proposals
batsFlying nocturnal mammals

fields · passes · kicks · dribbles · shoots · tosses · bounces · hits · serves · returns

Opposites

cooperation

plays ballstonewalls

Delays through evasion

obstructs · won't budge · resists · digs in one's heels · blocks

compliance with authority

plays balldefies

Openly resists or challenges

rebels · disobeys · rocks the boat · dissents · bucks

literal sports participation

plays ballsits out

Refrains from joining

Family

play, ball, plays, played, playing, player, players, playful, playfully

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G