Dic:// drive a hard bargain

drive a hard bargain:

─. If people drive a hard bargain, they argue with determination in order to achieve a deal which is favourable to themselves.

─. To be a skillful and unyielding negotiator or dealmaker.

─. To work hard to negotiate prices or agreements in one's own favor.

─. To be severe in negotiating a transaction make an agreement to one's advantage. The expression ( ... ) uses the verb drive in the sense of "forcefully carry through."

• a law firm with a reputation for driving a hard bargain.
• She is known to drive a hard bargain, so I doubt you'll get that car for the price you want.
• All right, sir, you drive a hard bargain. I'll sell you this car or $12,450.
• It's more than I planned to pay, but you drive a hard bargain.

.... Cobuild, Farlex Dic of Idioms, 

McGrow-Hill Dic of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs, American Heritage Dic of Idioms