Difficult dance to negotiate without bending? (8)

I believe the answer is:

hardball

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'negotiate without bending?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'difficult dance' is the wordplay.
'difficult' becomes 'hard' (synonyms).
'dance' becomes 'ball' (ball is a kind of dance).
'hard'+'ball'='HARDBALL'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hardball that I've seen before include "A ruthless attitude in business or politics" , "Tough tactics" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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