English idiom

under fire

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

being strongly criticized or attacked

Why this phrase?

Criticism is compared to being exposed to enemy gunfire.

Example

“The minister came under fire for ignoring the safety report.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

back against the wall

in a desperate situation with few options left

bury the hatchet

to reconcile with someone and bring a quarrel to an end

drive someone up the wall

to make someone feel extremely annoyed or frustrated

go with the flow

To adjust calmly to circumstances or prevailing behavior instead of resisting them.

kiss and make up

to reconcile and become friendly again after an argument

mend fences

to rebuild friendly relations after a dispute

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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