squeeze play

noun

1. Baseball.
   1. Also called suicide squeeze, 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, 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of squeeze play¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

Fearing an attempted squeeze play, Eliot signaled for Rod to keep the ball high and close on Cline.

From Project Gutenberg

The squeeze play, the delayed steal, the sacrifice hit are all modern inventions.

From Project Gutenberg