strike out
To destroy something that has been written or drawn by drawing a line or cross through it or by erasing it.
John misspelled "corollary. " He struck it out and wrote it correctly.
To begin to follow a new path or a course of action that you have never tried.
The boy scouts struck out at daybreak over the mountain pass.
John quit his job and struck out on his own as a traveling salesman.
To put (a batter) out of play by making him miss the ball three times; also: To be put out of play by missing the ball three times.
The pitcher struck out three men in the game.
The batter struck out twice.
To push out an arm suddenly in a hitting motion.
The boxer saw his chance and struck out at his opponent's jaw.
strike the hour
To mark or toll the hour (said of clocks or bells).
We heard the church clock strike the hour of two.
strike up
To start to sing or play.
We were sitting around the camp fire. Someone struck up a song, and we all joined in.
The President took his place on the platform, and the band struck up the national anthem.
To give a signal to start (a band) playing.
When the team ran on the field, the band director struck up the band.
To bring about; begin; start.
The policeman struck up a conversation with John while they were waiting for the bus.
It did not take Mary long to strike up acquaintances in her new school.
strikebreaker
One who takes the place of workers on strike or one who recruits such people.
The striking workers threw rotten eggs at the strikebreakers.
wildcat strike
A strike not ordered by a labor union; a strike spontaneously arranged by a group of workers.
The garbage collectors have gone on a wildcat strike, but the union is going to stop it.