draw fire

1. Encounter criticism, as in His recent article was bound to draw fire. This expression uses the verb draw in the sense of “attract” or “provoke,” and transfers fire in the sense of “gunfire” to a somewhat milder attack.

Example Sentences

“The real dilemma that a lot of candidates and officials face is this: If they are in the pocket of one criminal group, will they draw fire from another?” said Shirk, who heads the Justice in Mexico program at the University of San Diego.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

During the battle, Puckett sprinted across an open area to draw fire so that Rangers could spot and target enemy machine-gunners.

Read more on Seattle Times

Puckett sprinted across the open area to draw fire so that Rangers could find and destroy enemy machine-gunners.

Read more on Seattle Times

The tentative agreement with the U.S. investors is far less likely to draw fire from clubhouses and Congress than the earth-shattering one the PGA Tour struck in June to combine forces with the Saudis.

Read more on New York Times

As Barrymore continued to draw fire – especially after she posted a tearful apology, which she promptly took down – other talk shows, including "The Talk" and "Sherri" announced their fall season returns as well.

Read more on Salon