have two strikes against one
have two strikes on one
To have things working against you; be hindered in several ways; be in a difficult situation; be unlikely to succeed.
Children from the poorest parts of a city often have two strikes against them before they enter school.
George has two strikes against him already. Everybody is against what he wants to do.
From baseball. Two opportunities wasted in some undertaking, so that only one chance is left.
(In baseball, three strikes are out. If the umpire calls two strikes against the batter, he has only one strike left and will be out if he gets one more strike.)
Poor John has two strikes against him when it comes to his love for Frances: first, he is too fat, and, second, he is bald.
heart is in the right place
have one's heart in the right place
To be kind-hearted, sympathetic or well-meaning; have good intentions.
All the tramps and stray dogs in the neighborhood knew that Mrs. Brown's heart was in the right place.
Tom looks very rough but his heart is in the right place.
hide one's head in the sand
bury one's head in the sand
have one's head in the sand
put one's head in the sand
To keep from seeing, knowing, or understanding something dangerous or unpleasant; to refuse to see or face something.
"Прятать голову в песок"; избегать информации о неприятных, опасных ситуациях.
Get your head out of the sand and handle the problem.
Перестань прятать голову в песок и реши эту проблему.
If there is a war, you cannot just bury your head in the sand.