Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hard bargainer: A person who negotiates in a very shrewd, skillful, and often uncompromising manner, especially in business or politics. The term implies someone who is tough, astute, and driven by practical advantage rather than sentiment.

Usage

• The term "horse trader" is used to describe a negotiator whose primary focus is on securing a favorable deal through persistent, clever, and sometimes aggressive bargaining. It often carries a connotation of pragmatism and a willingness to make tough exchanges.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The union leader was known as a real horse trader at the negotiation table.
  • In politics, successful legislation often requires the skills of a horse trader to build compromises.

Advanced Usage

• The term originates from the historical practice of trading horses, where buyers and sellers would engage in prolonged, shrewd negotiation over the value and qualities of an animal. Its modern use extends to any arena requiring tough negotiation.
• It can describe a style or approach rather than a person:

Variants and Related Words

• Horse-trading (noun): The act or process of shrewd, hard bargaining.
  • The budget passed after weeks of political horse-trading.

Synonyms

• Wheeler-dealer: A person who engages in clever, opportunistic deals.
• Haggler: A person who argues or bargains persistently over the cost of something.
• Negotiator: A more neutral term for a person who conducts negotiations.

Antonyms

• Idealist: A person who is guided by principles rather than by practical considerations.
• Pushover: A person who is easy to overcome or influence in a negotiation.

Related Idioms

• To wheel and deal: To engage in clever, scheming, or shrewd business or political dealings.
  • He made his fortune by wheeling and dealing in the stock market.

Noun

1. a hard bargainer