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resign

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resign from something

to make a written statement that removes one from an office or position of employment. Andy resigned from the fraternity. I will not resign from my job. You will have to fire me.

See also: resign

resign oneself to something

to accept something reluctantly. I finally resigned myself to going to Mexico even though I didn't want to. Mary resigned herself to her fate.

See also: resign

*under fire

Fig. during an attack; being attacked. (*Typically: be ~; resign ~; think ~.) There was a scandal in city hall, and the mayor was forced to resign under fire. John is a good lawyer because he can think under fire.

See also: fire

under fire

being criticized The court is under fire for being too political.

Usage notes: often used with come: Mr. Johnson has come under fire for gossiping about his clients.

Related vocabulary: under attack

See also: fire

under fire

Criticized or held responsible, as in The landlord is under fire for not repairing the roof. This expression originally referred to being within range of enemy guns; its figurative use dates from the late 1800s.

See also: fire

resign to

v.

To submit oneself passively to something; give in to doing something: Everyone had left for the movie, so I resigned myself to washing the dishes.

See also: resign

under fire

1. Exposed or subjected to enemy attack.

2. Exposed or subjected to critical attack or censure: an official who was under fire for mismanagement.

See also: fire