two strikes against

Idioms  

1. Strong factors opposing, as in There are two strikes against her possibility of a promotion. This term comes from baseball, where a batter is allowed three strikes at a fairly pitched ball before being called out; thus, a batter with two strikes has but one more chance to hit a fair ball. The figurative use dates from the early 1900s.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

two strikes against

The 32-year-old, whose two strikes against Croatia saw him equal Gary Lineker's record of 10 World Cup goals, says he is enjoying the "freshness" of Tuchel's squad.

From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026

In the first inning, May had two strikes against Riley before throwing a sweeper up and over the plate.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 4, 2025

“But Burger hustles down the line and forces a bad throw and then Sheets has a great hit with two strikes against a good pitcher.”

From Washington Times ● May 28, 2023

She’s a comedy writer with two strikes against her: She didn’t go to Harvard, and she didn’t start in stand-up.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 28, 2023

I have neither, which means I started CHS with two strikes against me.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson