open season

noun

1. a specific season or time of year when it is legal to catch or hunt for fish or game protected at all other times by the law.

2. a period of time in which a person or thing is exposed to criticism, attack, or recrimination.

   Election year is open season on all incumbents.

open season

noun

1. a specified period of time in the year when it is legal to hunt or kill game or fish protected at other times by law

2. (often foll by on) a time when criticism or mistreatment is common

   open season on women employees

Word History and Origins

Origin of open season¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900