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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Iron Man is fair game, but not Robert Downey Jr.’s face or voice.

From Barron's

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?"

From BBC

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From BBC