under fire

Idioms  

1. Criticized or held responsible, as in The landlord is under fire for not repairing the roof. This expression originally referred to being within range of enemy guns; its figurative use dates from the late 1800s.

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Example Sentences

In the other race, a longtime judge is under fire from his challenger over courtroom comments an outside commission found inappropriate, prompting admonishment.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Concerns over a possible private-credit crisis is intensifying as Wall Street’s biggest banks have increasingly come under fire for their significant exposure.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

Low-cost Spanish regional airline Volotea has come under fire for saying it will add a surcharge to tickets it has already sold and is being challenged by local consumer rights groups.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

In February, Reese’s owner Hershey came under fire from Brad Reese—grandson of creator H.B.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

But he had still acquired a hero’s reputation for bravery and staunch leadership under fire.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis