squeeze play

noun
1.
Baseball.
  1. Also called suicide squeeze, suicide squeeze play. a play executed when there is a runner on third base and usually not more than one out, in which the runner starts for home as soon as the pitcher makes a motion to pitch, and the batter bunts.
  2. Also called safety squeeze, safety squeeze play. a similar play in which the runner on third base waits until the batter has successfully bunted before trying to score.
2.
the application of pressure or influence on a person or group in order to force compliance or gain an advantage.
Also called squeeze.
Origin
1900-05, Americanism
Examples from the web for squeeze play
  • Used with or without a blanket, the roll can be used in squeeze play and tactile activities.
  • Harper found himself in an agonizing squeeze play, so he got on the train and went for a ride.
Slang definitions & phrases for squeeze play

squeeze play

noun

Pressure or coercion: a squeeze play over signing the contract

[1916+; fr earlier baseball sense, tactic involving bunting or hitting the ball softly so that the runner at third base can reach home]


Idioms and Phrases with squeeze play

squeeze play

A situation in which pressure exerted to obtain a concession or achieve a goal, as in Workers sometimes feel caught in a squeeze play between union and management. This expression, dating from about 1900, originated in baseball, where it refers to a prearranged play in which the runner on third base breaks for home plate on the pitch, and the batter bunts. [ c. 1915 ]