hardball
/ˈhɑːdbɔːl/noun
mass noun
1- N. Amer. baseball, especially as contrasted with softball〈北美〉硬式棒球。
1.1
- informal uncompromising and ruthless methods or dealings, especially in politics〈非正式〉（尤指政治上的）强硬手段：
the leadership played hardball to win the vote.
领导层采取强硬手段来赢得选举。