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

---

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

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

Sir Elton said that while he had devoted his life to music, "this does not mean deeply personal things which I have a right to deal with in private are fair game".

From BBC • Feb. 6, 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

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