/hahrd"bawl'/ , n.
1. baseball, as distinguished from softball.
2. play hardball , to act or work aggressively, competitively, or ruthlessly, as in business or politics.
adj.
3. tough or ruthless: He wasn't ready for the hardball politics of Washington.
4. outspoken, challenging, or difficult: Reporters asked the president some hardball questions.
[ 1825-35; HARD + BALL 1 ]