two strikes against one

two strikes against one
*two strikes against one
1. two strikes on a baseball batter, three being the number that will put the batter “out.” (Such a player is in a vulnerable position. *Typically: get \two strikes against one; have \two strikes against one.) •

Sammy has two strikes against him and might just strike out.

2. Fig. a critical number of things against one; a position wherein success is unlikely or where the success of the next move is crucial. (Fig. on Q. *Typically: get \two strikes against one; have \two strikes against one.) •

Poor Bob had two strikes against him when he tried to explain where he was last night.

I can't win. I've got two strikes against me before I start.


Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • two strikes against one — {n. phr.} From baseball. Two opportunities wasted in some undertaking, so that only one chance is left. * /Poor John has two strikes against him when it comes to his love for Frances: first, he is too fat, and, second, he is bald./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • two strikes against one — {n. phr.} From baseball. Two opportunities wasted in some undertaking, so that only one chance is left. * /Poor John has two strikes against him when it comes to his love for Frances: first, he is too fat, and, second, he is bald./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • two\ strikes\ against\ one — n. phr. From baseball. two opportunities wasted in some undertaking, so that only one chance is left. Poor John has two strikes against him when it comes to his love for Frances: first, he is too fat, and, second, he is bald …   Словарь американских идиом

  • have\ two\ strikes\ against\ one — • have two strikes against one • have two strikes on one v. phr. informal To have things working against you; be hindered in several ways; be in a difficult situation; be unlikely to succeed. Children from the poorest parts of a city often have… …   Словарь американских идиом

  • get\ two\ strikes\ against\ one — See: two strikes against one …   Словарь американских идиом

  • have two strikes against one — or[have two strikes on one] {v. phr.}, {informal} To have things working against you; be hindered in several ways; be in a difficult situation; be unlikely to succeed. * /Children from the poorest parts of a city often have two strikes against… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • have two strikes against one — or[have two strikes on one] {v. phr.}, {informal} To have things working against you; be hindered in several ways; be in a difficult situation; be unlikely to succeed. * /Children from the poorest parts of a city often have two strikes against… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • have two strikes against one — have things working against one, be in a difficult situation He already has two strikes against him and it will be very difficult for him to get the job …   Idioms and examples

  • get two strikes against one — See: TWO STRIKES AGAINST …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • get two strikes against one — See: TWO STRIKES AGAINST …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • have two strikes against one — idi to be at a critical disadvantage: Without a job or a bank account, I ll have two strikes against me[/ex] …   From formal English to slang

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