Be/come under fire
phrase
To face criticism or judgment.
The city mayor's decision to raise taxes has come under fire.
Often appears as...
- come under fire from
- come under fire for
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be attacked with guns or other weapons.
The patrol unit came under fire near the border.
Often appears as...
- come under fire from
- under heavy fire
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
To face criticism or judgment.
The city mayor's decision to raise taxes has come under fire.
Often appears as...
- come under fire from
- come under fire for
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be attacked with guns or other weapons.
The patrol unit came under fire near the border.
Often appears as...
- come under fire from
- under heavy fire
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical use
Often used metaphorically to describe non-physical attacks, such as verbal criticism or media backlash.
The company's new policy came under fire from environmental groups.
Pro Tip 2/3Not always fair
The phrase may imply criticism that's harsh or not entirely justified.
Despite his efforts, the director's film came under fire for its historical inaccuracies.
Pro Tip 3/3Journalism staple
Commonly used in news and journalism to report controversies or disputes.
The new legislation has come under fire from several human rights organizations.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical use
Often used metaphorically to describe non-physical attacks, such as verbal criticism or media backlash.
The company's new policy came under fire from environmental groups.
Pro Tip 2/3Not always fair
The phrase may imply criticism that's harsh or not entirely justified.
Despite his efforts, the director's film came under fire for its historical inaccuracies.
Pro Tip 3/3Journalism staple
Commonly used in news and journalism to report controversies or disputes.
The new legislation has come under fire from several human rights organizations.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical use
Often used metaphorically to describe non-physical attacks, such as verbal criticism or media backlash.
The company's new policy came under fire from environmental groups.
Pro Tip 2/3Not always fair
The phrase may imply criticism that's harsh or not entirely justified.
Despite his efforts, the director's film came under fire for its historical inaccuracies.
Pro Tip 3/3Journalism staple
Commonly used in news and journalism to report controversies or disputes.
The new legislation has come under fire from several human rights organizations.
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