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under fire
01
(of a person or place) being the target of a shooting
02
used of a person or an organization that is facing strong and negative feedback
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "under fire" and when to use it?
The idiom "under fire" has military origins, referring to a situation where soldiers are subjected to enemy gunfire. In a metaphorical sense, the phrase is used to describe the idea of being in a challenging or hostile environment where one is under attack, typically in the form of harsh words, disapproval, or public negativity.
Example
The political consultants are currently under fire for employing sharp practice tactics like astroturf campaigns to sway public opinion disingenuously.
The politician was under fire for his inconsistent statements on the issue, facing criticism from opponents and the media.
In the press conference, the athlete was under fire for his poor performance, with reporters questioning his dedication to the sport.
After the controversial decision, the CEO found himself under fire from both employees and shareholders who questioned his leadership.
