play hardball

Etymology
From the American sport of baseball; the hardball is the heavier and harder type of the two types of throwing ball used when playing that sport (i.e. ).

Verb

 * 1)  To use every means possible to achieve a goal, especially in disregarding the harm caused.
 * 2)  To act rough and ruthless, especially in business or politics.
 * 1)  To act rough and ruthless, especially in business or politics.

Translations

 * Polish:, pójść po trupach
 * Swedish: sätta hårt mot hårt