hard·ball 
/ˈhɑɚdˌbɑ:l/ noun
/ˈhɑɚdˌbɑ:l/ noun [noncount] chiefly US, informal 1 : baseball 2 : forceful and sometimes dishonest methods used to get something you want — often used after play ▪ He's not afraid to play political hardball. [=to use tough and perhaps dishonest methods to meet a political goal] ▪ hardball tactics/politics
