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

In the mid-19th Century, the birds were considered fair game and day-trippers would hire steam yachts to shoot them, sometimes killing thousands at a time.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Taking issue with the profile, even condemning it and vociferously panning it, is fair game.

From Slate • Mar. 3, 2026

“A lot of things are now fair game for whoever has the best solution, versus who’s got the scale,” Rosen said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 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

“Now, I want a nice fair game, all of you,” she said, once they were all gathered around her.

From "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling