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.

---

Example Sentences

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2024

Alexander's apparent cash grab has already begun to draw fire from inside the tent.

From Salon • Nov. 18, 2020

He quipped that candidates draw fire only when they are ahead, and criticized his opponents for running negative campaigns.

From New York Times • Jan. 25, 2016

One of the bigger changes - banning the mini lobster season in July - is also sure to draw fire from fans.

From Washington Times • Jun. 22, 2014

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

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman