PoliticsAugust 16, 2026

hardball

HARD-ball

Definition

A strategy of using aggressive, uncompromising, or ruthless methods to gain an advantage in a negotiation or conflict.

Etymology

Originating in American English in the early 20th century, the term refers to the game of baseball as played with a hard ball, implying a more serious or dangerous contest compared to the 'soft' version.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe Iran's uncompromising stance against the Trump administration, noting that Iran is intentionally pressuring the international economy to gain leverage.

US-Iran MoU is set to expire: What to know

Read the full article ↗

Al Jazeera

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