open season

noun

1. a specific season or time of year when it is legal to catch or hunt for fish or game protected at all other times by the law.

2. a period of time in which a person or thing is exposed to criticism, attack, or recrimination.

   Election year is open season on all incumbents.

open season

noun

1. a specified period of time in the year when it is legal to hunt or kill game or fish protected at other times by law

2. (often foll by on) a time when criticism or mistreatment is common

   open season on women employees

Word History and Origins

Origin of open season¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The companies are currently scoping out demand and seeking commitments from customers in what is known as an “open season.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The open season runs through Dec. 19.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That in turn could send another signal to people on the streets of New York—that it is open season on Jews.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Council’s refusal to comment has made it open season on speculation and rumors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Republican-appointed justices have already declared open season on precedent they hate.

Read more on Slate