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under fire

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*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

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