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]

Example Sentences

A crowd in a city known for its brash and harsh sports fans clearly felt this was all fair game.

From BBC

But they are not shy in letting their dissatisfaction be known if things start to go wrong, and already incredibly rich golfers on another financial make could become fair game.

From BBC

According to Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, writing a concurrence in the Supreme Court’s emergency ruling allowing roving immigration raids in Los Angeles, any of these could be fair game, using law and “common sense.”

From Los Angeles Times

While the ultimate purpose of the footage was not entirely defined, West emphasized that everything was fair game.

From Los Angeles Times

Writing for the liberal justices, Sotomayor called the order “unconscionable” and said it made Latinos throughout the region “fair game.”

From Salon