Three strikes and you're out

Three strikes and you're out

The phrase "three strikes and you're out" is a well-known proverb that is often used in sports, particularly in baseball. In baseball, a batter is given three chances, or strikes, to hit the ball before they are called out. Once a batter accumulates three strikes, they are removed from the game and their turn at bat is over. This proverb has since been adopted into everyday language to convey the idea that someone has reached their limit or used up all their chances.

The origins of the phrase can be traced back to the mid-19th century when it was first used in the game of baseball. The rule of three strikes was implemented to ensure that the game moved along at a reasonable pace and to prevent batters from endlessly fouling off pitches. Over time, the phrase became synonymous with the idea of giving someone multiple chances before they are ultimately held accountable for their actions.