have two strikes against (one)
have two strikes against (one)
To be at a deficit or disadvantage, nearing failure. The phrase comes from baseball, in which a batter is called "out" after three strikes. Man, I already have two strikes against me in that class, I can't turn in my project late too! You have two strikes against you from putting a dent in my car and getting a speeding ticket—if anything happens this week, your driving privileges will be taken away.
See also: have, strike, two
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- two strikes against someone/something, to have
- be on the ropes
- beanball
- dust off the batter
- three-strike(s) rule
- gopher ball
- golden sombrero
- step up to the plate
- batter
- batter down