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Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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]


Etymology

Origin of fair game

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

How Jews are treated in a society says much about that society’s health and commitment to the rule of law, because once Jews are fair game, anyone is.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

A bottle cap or crease in a potato chip bag is fair game.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

"Sometimes before I thought it was better and sometimes I think VAR helps us to have a more fair game," he said.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

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 • Feb. 6, 2026

“I play a fair game of chess,” Luke said to the doctor, who cheered at once.

From "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson