open season

American  

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.

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open season British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of open season

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

“The real loser here is Intel, as it is now open season on all of its main product lines,” Windsor said, pointing to both its personal-computer and data-center chips.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

The Council’s refusal to comment has made it open season on speculation and rumors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

“Industry lawyers believe it is open season to go after regulations,” Michael Gerrard, an environmental law professor at Columbia University, said.

From Salon • Aug. 25, 2024

And it’s almost always open season on bicyclists in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2024

After all, if I asked too many questions, I could draw attention to the fact that I had no friends, and it’d be open season for nonstop teasing.

From "Monday's Not Coming" by Tiffany D. Jackson