Three strikes and you’re out

usgb
phrase

The idea that after three failures, you lose the game or the opportunity.

Despite his best efforts, after three failed attempts, it was clear: three strikes and you're out.
Visual representation of "three strikes and you’re out" - The idea that after three failures, you lose the game or the opportunity.

Often appears as...

  • get/go a strike
  • land a strike

Usage tips

General, Idiomatic

phrase

A law in some areas of the U.S. that says if you commit three serious crimes, you will be put in prison for the rest of your life.

Due to the three strikes and you're out law, after his third felony, he was sentenced to life in prison.
Visual representation of "three strikes and you’re out" - A law in some areas of the U.S. that says if you commit three serious crimes, you will be put in prison for the rest of your life.

Often appears as...

  • three-strike law
  • third strike

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

General, Technical

phrase

The idea that after three failures, you lose the game or the opportunity.

Despite his best efforts, after three failed attempts, it was clear: three strikes and you're out.
Visual representation of "three strikes and you’re out" - The idea that after three failures, you lose the game or the opportunity.

Often appears as...

  • get/go a strike
  • land a strike

Usage tips

General, Idiomatic

phrase

A law in some areas of the U.S. that says if you commit three serious crimes, you will be put in prison for the rest of your life.

Due to the three strikes and you're out law, after his third felony, he was sentenced to life in prison.
Visual representation of "three strikes and you’re out" - A law in some areas of the U.S. that says if you commit three serious crimes, you will be put in prison for the rest of your life.

Often appears as...

  • three-strike law
  • third strike

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

General, Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "three strikes and you’re out"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Baseball Origin

Originates from baseball where a batter is out after missing three pitches.

Illustration for Baseball Origin
He missed the third job interview, it was like three strikes and you're out.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Used Figuratively

Often used metaphorically for other situations with limited chances.

Illustration for Used Figuratively
I've broken my phone twice; three strikes and you're out, so I have to be careful.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Literal

The number three isn't always literal; it suggests a limited number of tries.

Illustration for Not Always Literal
He was late to work many times; it was three strikes and you're out.
Visual representation of the word "Three strikes and you’re out"

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