strike out

strike out

1. To erase, cancel, or cross out a line or portion of writing. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "strike" and "out." Sorry, strike that last line out. I wrote an angry email but ended up striking out most of it before I sent it.
2. In baseball or softball, of the batter, to be out after getting three strikes and failing to hit the ball or reach base on a walk. If I strike out, we're going to lose the game. Frequent home run hitters are also apt to strike out a lot.
3. In baseball or softball, of the pitcher, to retire a batter by throwing three strikes. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "strike" and "out." The rookie has struck out more batters than anyone else in the league. If the pitcher strikes her out, we'll lose this game.
4. To fail to achieve a desired result. The eighth film in the horror series struck out with audiences. I tried to get a phone number from her, but I struck out again.
5. To begin a journey of some kind; to set out. Tomorrow, we'll strike out at dawn and our quest will be underway. The whole battalion struck out toward the border days ago.
See also: out, strike

strike out at (someone or something)

1. To attack or hit something with a sudden sharp physical blow. The belligerent man struck out at the dog with a rolled-up magazine, drawing scornful looks from passersby. Bill didn't hear me coming up behind him and struck out at me when I touched his shoulder.
2. To attack someone or something verbally; to criticize, berate, or reprimand someone something. The government is striking out at misinformation about the crisis that has been circulating on the Internet. I've noticed Sam striking out at his friends whenever they bring the topic up in conversation.
See also: out, strike
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

strike something out

to cross something out of a section of printing or writing. This is wrong. Please strike it out. Strike out this sentence.
See also: out, strike

strike out (at someone or something)

to hit at someone or something with the intention of threatening or harming. Dave would strike out at anyone who came near him, but it was all bluff. He was mad, and when anyone came close, he struck out.
See also: out, strike

strike out

 
1. Lit. [for a baseball batter] to be declared out after making three strikes. (Baseball.) And so Drew Wilson strikes out for his second time in this game! He struck out in the second inning, and the manager took him out then.
2. Fig. to fail. Well, we struck out again, but we'll keep trying. I hear you struck out on that Acme proposal. Better luck next time.
See also: out, strike
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

strike out

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]
See also: out, strike
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

strike out

v.
1. To begin a course of action: After hatching, the baby turtles struck out toward the ocean. After the band broke up, the lead singer struck out on her own. We struck out on a mission to find the lost treasure.
2. To make an attempt to hit someone: The suspect struck out at the police officer.
3. Baseball To pitch three strikes to some batter, putting the batter out: The pitcher struck out the batter to end the inning. The pitcher struck the batter out with two curve balls and a fastball.
4. Baseball To be put out at bat with three strikes: The batter struck out and returned to the dugout.
5. To fail in an endeavor: They struck out in their attempt to raise taxes. The network struck out with its new television show and canceled it after the third week. The car salesman struck out with his first five customers.
6. To eliminate or delete something from a document or record: The editor struck out the final paragraph and rewrote it. The lawyer struck a clause out of the contract.
7. To put some claim or action out of a court of law without further hearing: The court struck out the claim when the plaintiff failed to produce enough evidence. The judge found the accusation unclear, so she struck it out.
See also: out, strike
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.

strike out

1. in. [for a baseball batter] to be declared out after three strikes. (Baseball.) He struck out in the second inning, and manager Willy “Herky” Simpson read him out then.
2. in. to fail. I hear you struck out on that Acme proposal. Better luck next time.
See also: out, strike
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • strike out at (someone or something)
  • lash out at (someone or something)
  • bump up
  • lash out against (someone or something)
  • kick at
  • kick at (someone or something)
  • bop
  • strike up a conversation
  • strike up a conversation (with one)
  • striking
References in periodicals archive
His strike outs are average, but they did peak during his prime home run years; by 1996 he was striking out at least 90 times when he had 600 at bats or more.
Steroids and home runs
Evan Herpstreith got the call to the mound as starting pitcher for Nokomis going 3 innings allowing 0 runs, 0ER, 2 hits, 3 strike outs and 2 walks.
Nokomis on winning streak
Standout pitcher Alma Tauli again delivered a stellar performance with six no-run innings, four strike outs and two defensive stops as the 16-year old native of Norzagaray, Bulacan, led Manila to its third straight win in as many matches in Group A.
Team Manila softbelles gain semis
1 starter this season and went 14-11 with a 1.87 earned run average and set an Oregon single-season record with 216 strike outs.
Young Ducks have lot to learn
Not to be outdone are the Eagles, as rookie pitcher Paulo Macasaet had two strike outs in one and two-third innings after replacing reigning MVP Andy Tan, who pitched the first seven and one-third innings.
Ateneo downs La Salle, nears UAAP baseball crown
When play resumed, pitcher Jessica Moore replaced starter Brittany Rumfelt and finished off the shutout with three no-hit innings and eight strike outs. Pappas had a pair of RBIs and Cortney Kivett scored twice.
No. 1 UO labors in early rounds
Gross worked six innings on the mound, giving up six hits, two runs on four walks with six strike outs. AJ Stearns pitched the final 2 2/3 innings allowing two hits, walking two, striking out 3 and giving up one run.
Steeleville Legion falls in division tournament
Jory Christiansen went 2-for-2 for visiting South Eugene, and pitcher Joe Schindler had six strike outs in five innings.
Falcons secure softball sweep
On the mound, Gross threw 7 innings, allowing 6 hits, 3 earned runs with 1 walk and 5 strike outs. AJ Stearns tossed the final 5 innings, giving up one hit, no runs, walked two, hit one batter, struck out 5 and got the win.
Steeleville thumps Pinckneyville 11-3
Pitcher Jessica Moore relieved starter Sam Skillingstad with no outs in the first inning and pitched the rest of the game, allowing eight hits and two runs to go with 10 strike outs.
Oregon bats go cold in Hawaii