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.

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

And there’s the whole other theme here where it would appear that Adams was coached by Bove to essentially offer: I’ll really play ball on immigration if you’ll dismiss the cases.

From Slate • Feb. 14, 2025

The law is be cool, be tough, play ball, and use books for weight training—not reading.

From "Bronx Masquerade" by Nikki Grimes