safety squeeze


noun

Also called safety squeeze play.

Definition for safety-squeeze-play (2 of 2)

squeeze play

noun

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.
the application of pressure or influence on a person or group in order to force compliance or gain an advantage.
Also called squeeze.

Origin of squeeze play

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Idioms and Phrases with safety-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]