fair game

American  

noun

1. a legitimate or likely object of attack, mockery, etc..

   With his fat, round face, the politician was fair game for the cartoonists.

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fair game British  

noun

1. a legitimate object for ridicule or attack

2. archaic hunting quarry that may legitimately be pursued according to the rules of a particular sport

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fair game Idioms  

1. A legitimate target for attack or ridicule. For example, On his talk show, authors are considered fair game. This expression alludes to hunting. [Early 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of fair game

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Sir Elton said that while he had devoted his life to music, "this does not mean deeply personal things which I have a right to deal with in private are fair game".

From BBC

I have devoted my life to my music but this does not mean deeply personal things which I have a right to deal with in private are fair game.

From Barron's

“After the snow melts, it’s all fair game,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Whether they like it or not, everything is fair game, from their dream half-time performer to the worst thing about their wife's cooking.

From Barron's

Fraudsters are also targeting fire relief funds, food benefits — really, any pot of public money is fair game to them.

From Los Angeles Times