strike out

fe’l verb

1. Of a batter, to be retired after three strikes (missed swings, as opposed to any other way of becoming "out"); of a pitcher, to cause this to happen to the batter. Jones struck out on a nasty slider.
2. To fail; to be refused a request or to have a proposal not be accepted, in particular a request for a (hopefully romantic) date. Dave asked the new girl to the dance but he struck out.
3. To begin to make one's way. The travellers struck out towards the line of mountains.
4. (often with at) To lash out; to strike or hit at someone or something, particularly something in arm's length of the striker and at or near the level of the striker's head.