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

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

"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

Everything, it seems, is fair game for virality.

From Slate • Jan. 15, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 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