ten-strike: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “ten-strike” mean?
A strike in bowling where all ten pins are knocked down with the first ball.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strike in bowling where all ten pins are knocked down with the first ball.
A complete or decisive success; a sudden and overwhelming triumph.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originates from ten-pin bowling, a game more culturally dominant in the US. While understood in the UK due to global media, its figurative use is more common in American English.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a decisive, flawless victory. In the US, it has a slightly more folksy, 'everyman' feel.
Frequency
Rare in contemporary British English; low-frequency and somewhat dated in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “ten-strike” in a Sentence
to [VERB] a ten-strikea [ADJ] ten-striketen-strike [PREP] [NOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically for a deal or product launch that is an unqualified success. 'The new marketing campaign was a ten-strike, doubling our sales.'
Academic
Rare. Could be used informally to describe a perfectly executed research project or presentation.
Everyday
Used for any personal, definitive success. 'Her surprise party for him was a ten-strike.'
Technical
Strictly literal use only in the context of bowling or bowling simulations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ten-strike”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ten-strike”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ten-strike”
- Using 'ten-strike' as a verb (e.g., 'He ten-striked the deal') is non-standard. The standard form is 'He bowled/pulled off a ten-strike.'
- Confusing it with 'strike ten' or 'strike of ten'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is only used as a noun. You 'bowl' or 'pull off' a ten-strike.
No, it is considered low-frequency and somewhat dated. More common synonyms like 'slam dunk' or 'clean sweep' are often used instead.
In ten-pin bowling, they are the same thing. 'Ten-strike' is a more emphatic or descriptive term for knocking down all ten pins.
Yes, it is understood, but it is an Americanism and its figurative use is less common in the UK than in the US.
A strike in bowling where all ten pins are knocked down with the first ball.
Ten-strike is usually informal, figurative in register.
Ten-strike: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛn ˌstraɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛn ˌstraɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to hit a ten-strike”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bowling alley: a single ball knocks down all TEN pins in one STRIKE. A 'ten-strike' is a one-shot total victory.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUCCESS IS A PERFECT SCORE IN A GAME.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is 'ten-strike' used most literally?