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

Mr Wright said: "Is the truth that, under the guise of your right to freedom of expression, you engage in personal slur and grossly offensive remarks to those who you feel are fair game?"

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The conversation made its way into the workplace during the pandemic, when formerly taboo topics such as mental health, work-life balance and yes, menopause, became fair game for workplace fodder.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

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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.

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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.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times