squeeze play
2
7.4
- noun
- /skwiːz pleɪ/
- The company used a squeeze play to pressure their competitors into accepting the merger.
Examples
-
Under intense negotiation, the manager attempted a squeeze play hoping the staff would give in to his demands.
-
Faced with a squeeze play from the other side, she refused to compromise her principles.
-
Don't fall for that squeeze play during negotiations!
-
The manager used a squeeze play to get the board's approval.
-
The manager used a squeeze play to pressure the team into accepting the new contract terms.
-
In negotiations, they executed a squeeze play to compel their rivals to back down on the deal.
-
The squeeze play forced the opposition to agree to the terms, as they had no other options.
Synonyms
51
6.9
The act of making someone do something by using threats or violence
16
6.3
A forceful action to gain control over other people
5
6.3
Strong pressure from someone to make you do something
4
9.9
A risky way of acting that pushes events to the edge to force a decision
1
7.2
A plan to control people by tricking them
1
8.7
Strong pressure by officials to influence people's actions or decisions
Antonyms
How Coercive
158
5.6
- NSFW
12
7.5
- Offensive
51
6.9
2
7.4
741
3.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'an aggressive tactic to force someone through pressure' is directly derivable from combining 'squeeze' (to apply pressure) with 'play' (a tactic or strategic move). This compositional reading — a pressure-based strategic action — is predictable for learners who know both constituents, so it is transparent.
Etymology
Squeeze play is also used as a picture of pressure: one side uses money, rules, or power to squeeze someone and leave them little choice. That's why it means 'an aggressive tactic to force someone to agree'.