strike out

British  

verb

1. (tr) to remove or erase

2. (intr) to start out or begin

   to strike out on one's own

3. baseball to put out or be put out on strikes

4. informal (intr) to fail utterly

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strike out Idioms  

1. Cancel or erase, as in Strike out that last sentence, please . [Early 1500s]

2. Begin a course of action, set out energetically, as in Elaine was determined to strike out on her own . [Early 1700s]

3. Fail in an endeavor, as in His latest business venture has struck out . This usage originated in baseball, where it refers to a batter's failure to put the ball in play ( Williams struck out three times in yesterday's game ), as well as to a pitcher's success in eliminating a batter ( Clemens struck him out again in the fourth inning ). [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Oddly enough, the first “Ready or Not” film felt like it was striking out at something new.

From Salon

The LSU commit, who throws fastballs in the 90s, went five innings, giving up six hits while striking out three and walking two.

From Los Angeles Times

Murphy was on the mound in the seventh to strike out Pence and get the save.

From Los Angeles Times

In the semifinal and final, the U.S. combined to bat .159 and strike out 25 times, and every run came on a home run.

From Los Angeles Times

Miller has faced 14 batters in the WBC, allowing no hits and striking out 10.

From Los Angeles Times