adjective
subjected to enemy attack or censure (Freq. 4)
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an official under fire for mismanagement
• Syn: ↑under attack
• Similar to: ↑vulnerable
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under fire
1. Exposed to the enemy's fire
2. Exposed to criticism
• • •
Main Entry: ↑fire
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being shot at
observers sent to look for the men came under heavy fire
■ being rigorously criticized
the president was under fire from all sides
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under fire
1 : being shot at by the enemy
The civilians panicked when they realized they were under fire.
As a soldier he showed extraordinary skill and courage under fire.
2 : exposed to criticism : being criticized
He is under fire from his political opponents.
The company has come under fire [=has been criticized] for using child labor overseas.
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Main Entry: ↑fire
Useful english dictionary. 2012.