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

In an inning that saw Scott blow a three-run Dodgers lead — forcing the team into a 13-inning marathon that, despite eventually winning, their overworked bullpen could ill-afford — Scott got to two strikes against a Mets batter, only to leave a mistake pitch over the plate.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

The remaining work and the fact that the home is part of a community devastated by the Palisades fire might seem like two strikes against it.

From Los Angeles Times

After starting with a tap-in to level the scores, Vinicius Jr's last two strikes against Dortmund were something special.

From BBC

“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