Flak
noun
Strong criticism.
The new policy has attracted a lot of flak from teachers.
Often appears as...
- draw flak
- catch flak
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
Anti-aircraft fire.
The helicopter flew through heavy flak to deliver supplies.
Often appears as...
- heavy flak
- flak fire
Usage tips
Technical
noun
Strong criticism.
The new policy has attracted a lot of flak from teachers.
Often appears as...
- draw flak
- catch flak
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
Anti-aircraft fire.
The helicopter flew through heavy flak to deliver supplies.
Often appears as...
- heavy flak
- flak fire
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Usage
Used metaphorically to describe verbal criticism or attacks, not physical ones.
After his presentation, John faced flak from his colleagues.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Implies the criticism received is harsh and possibly overwhelming.
She received flak for her unpopular decision.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context
Commonly used in casual or informal settings; less likely in formal texts.
He's going to get flak for being late again.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Usage
Used metaphorically to describe verbal criticism or attacks, not physical ones.
After his presentation, John faced flak from his colleagues.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Implies the criticism received is harsh and possibly overwhelming.
She received flak for her unpopular decision.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context
Commonly used in casual or informal settings; less likely in formal texts.
He's going to get flak for being late again.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Usage
Used metaphorically to describe verbal criticism or attacks, not physical ones.
After his presentation, John faced flak from his colleagues.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Implies the criticism received is harsh and possibly overwhelming.
She received flak for her unpopular decision.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context
Commonly used in casual or informal settings; less likely in formal texts.
He's going to get flak for being late again.
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Video examples
Wes Moore: How to talk...
and how that influenced the start of World War I, where the entire time my heart and my head were on my soldiers who were now throwing on Kevlars and grabbing their flak vests and figuring out how exactly do I change around
Video examples
Defending a Monkey Harem...
so they're like living flak jackets. The mothers are worried and quickly scoop up the youngest. Here, the two males face each other. The family man backs towards one of his more loyal wives, calling for support.
Video examples
Miami Drug Cartel PIPE...
the killers used this customized armored war wagon the getaway band was then dumped in the malls north parking lot inside were several rifles pistols and shotguns some ammunition and flak vests
Video examples
Wes Moore: How to talk...
and how that influenced the start of World War I, where the entire time my heart and my head were on my soldiers who were now throwing on Kevlars and grabbing their flak vests and figuring out how exactly do I change around
Video examples
Defending a Monkey Harem...
so they're like living flak jackets. The mothers are worried and quickly scoop up the youngest. Here, the two males face each other. The family man backs towards one of his more loyal wives, calling for support.
Video examples
Miami Drug Cartel PIPE...
the killers used this customized armored war wagon the getaway band was then dumped in the malls north parking lot inside were several rifles pistols and shotguns some ammunition and flak vests
Example 1 of 3
Quote examples
Lindsey Buckingham
American Musician
The rest of the band had a cynical view towards the way 'Tusk' was made and the reasons why I thought it was important to move into new territory. It wasn't just negativity. There was open hostility. Then I got a certain amount of flak because it didn't sell as many as 'Rumours.
Quote examples
Bubba Wallace
American Driver
I've hit a couple barriers out there on the racetrack growing up. There's definitely been some flak in the way. I've been able to handle that the best I could, ignore it, use that as motivation.
Quote examples
Donald Rumsfeld
American Politician
Amidst all the clutter, beyond all the obstacles, aside from all the static, are the goals set. Put your head down, do the best job possible, let the flak pass, and work towards those goals.
Quote examples
Adriano Zumbo
Australian Chef
Coming from an Italian family, my parents had supermarkets and they said I had to take over as any son should take over the family business - I copped a lot of flak when I said 'no.
Quote examples
Ed Kowalczyk
American Musician
All of my favorite artists who inspired me were never afraid to be uncool and never afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves - no matter how much flak they took for it.
Quote examples
Tori Amos
American Musician
My father was strict, but he recognised my ability and got a lot of flak from the church for supporting me.
Quote examples
Caitlyn Jenner
American Athlete
I have gotten more flak for being a conservative Republican than I have for being trans.
Quote examples
Joe Biden
American President
I'm not big on flak jackets and tie-dyed shirts. You know, that's not me.
Quote examples
Chuck Palahniuk
American Novelist
I take a lot of flak from the counter-establishment for selling out.
Quote examples
Harris Faulkner
American Journalist
I get flak from everybody, which is how I know I'm living my truth.
Quote examples
Lindsey Buckingham
American Musician
The rest of the band had a cynical view towards the way 'Tusk' was made and the reasons why I thought it was important to move into new territory. It wasn't just negativity. There was open hostility. Then I got a certain amount of flak because it didn't sell as many as 'Rumours.
Quote examples
Bubba Wallace
American Driver
I've hit a couple barriers out there on the racetrack growing up. There's definitely been some flak in the way. I've been able to handle that the best I could, ignore it, use that as motivation.
Quote examples
Donald Rumsfeld
American Politician
Amidst all the clutter, beyond all the obstacles, aside from all the static, are the goals set. Put your head down, do the best job possible, let the flak pass, and work towards those goals.
Quote examples
Adriano Zumbo
Australian Chef
Coming from an Italian family, my parents had supermarkets and they said I had to take over as any son should take over the family business - I copped a lot of flak when I said 'no.
Quote examples
Ed Kowalczyk
American Musician
All of my favorite artists who inspired me were never afraid to be uncool and never afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves - no matter how much flak they took for it.
Quote examples
Tori Amos
American Musician
My father was strict, but he recognised my ability and got a lot of flak from the church for supporting me.
Quote examples
Caitlyn Jenner
American Athlete
I have gotten more flak for being a conservative Republican than I have for being trans.
Quote examples
Joe Biden
American President
I'm not big on flak jackets and tie-dyed shirts. You know, that's not me.
Quote examples
Chuck Palahniuk
American Novelist
I take a lot of flak from the counter-establishment for selling out.
Quote examples
Harris Faulkner
American Journalist
I get flak from everybody, which is how I know I'm living my truth.
Example 1 of 10
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