play ball

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This is playoff basketball — grow up and play ball.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026

Still, with more American buyers demanding this type of transparency, Chinese trading companies have to play ball or risk losing business, lawyers say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

During the match, supporters in the stands held signs, including "Pawol making HERstory," and "the time has come for one & all to play ball".

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2025

He added that “If…universities do not play ball, lawyer up, because the federal government is coming after you.”

From Salon • May 20, 2025

While the children play ball in the bedroom and Helena sleeps with her doll and I sit with Max on his nights at the window.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron