What does “Under fire” mean?
"Under fire" means being criticized or attacked.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The company is under fire for their unethical business practices.
Example
The politician is under fire for his controversial statements.
Example
The celebrity is under fire for their offensive social media posts
Is “Under fire” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Under fire” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Under fire” effectively in context?
You can use "Under Fire" to describe a situation where someone or something is being heavily criticized or attacked. It emphasizes the intensity and severity of the criticism. For example, if a company is facing backlash for their unethical business practices, you might say, 'The company is under fire for their unethical business practices.'
- 1Business
The company is under fire for their unethical business practices.
- 2Politics
The politician is under fire for his controversial statements.
- 3Social Media
The celebrity is under fire for their offensive social media posts.
Similar phrases to “Under fire”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Under fire” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Under Fire" can be traced back to military warfare. When soldiers were being attacked by enemy fire, they were said to be 'under fire.' Over time, the phrase has evolved to also refer to being criticized or attacked in a non-military context.
Is “Under fire” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Under Fire" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is frequently used to describe situations where someone or something is facing intense criticism or attack.
What tone does “Under fire” have?
"Under Fire" conveys a tone of scrutiny and negativity. It suggests that the person or entity being discussed is facing significant backlash or disapproval.
Can “Under fire” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Under Fire" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in news articles, discussions, and everyday conversations to describe situations of criticism or attack.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The company is under fire for their unethical business practices.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They're really "under fire" right now!' to imply that someone is facing heavy criticism.
