fair game

noun

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

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

fair game

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fair game¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Idioms and Phrases

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]