Play ball
English Idiom
Meaning: To cooperate or agree to participate in a plan or activity, often to achieve a common goal. It can also mean to follow rules or accept a situation that requires teamwork.
Origin: The idiom 'play ball' originates from the world of sports, particularly baseball, where it signifies the start of the game. Over time, it evolved to mean cooperating or participating in any activity or plan, much like players do in a game.
Examples
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Despite initial reluctance, the committee decided to play ball and support the new initiative.
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When the company faced a crisis, the employees had to play ball to ensure business continuity.
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Negotiations went smoothly once both parties agreed to play ball.
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Even though he disliked the new policy, he had to play ball to keep his job.
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The government officials finally decided to play ball and pass the necessary legislation.
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She refused to play ball with the unethical demands of her boss.
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To get the project approved, everyone on the team needed to play ball.
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During the merger, the two companies had to play ball to make the transition seamless.
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The success of the event depended on whether the volunteers were willing to play ball.
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In order to secure the funding, the researchers had to play ball with the grant requirements.
