draw fire

Idioms  

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.

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Example Sentences

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.

From Salon • Sep. 17, 2023

The Museum of the American Revolution is not the first institution to draw fire for a rental to groups or figures deemed contradictory to its mission.

From New York Times • Jun. 28, 2023

He may also draw fire because he is unusually mild-mannered for such a highly charged time.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 20, 2021

The governor’s order is sure to draw fire as pressure is building to ease restrictions and slowly reopen the state.

From Washington Times • Apr. 30, 2020

I draw fire and water forgetting all the rules and morphing into something new.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman