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[have two
strikes against one] or [have two strikes on one] {v.phr.}, {informal} To have
things working against you; be hindered inseveral ways; be in a difficult
situation; be unlikely to succeed.
Children from the poorest parts of a city
often have two strikesagainst them before they enter school.
George has two
strikesagainst him already. Everybody is against what he wants to do.
Compare:
BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL. (In baseball, three strikes are out.If the umpire calls
two strikes against the batter, he has only onestrike left and will be out if he
gets one more strike.)
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