catching flak

• criticismJudgment of faults
• backlashStrong negative reaction
• heatTransferred thermal energy
• fireCombustion with flames
• blameAssign responsibility for wrongdoing

attack · hostile · barrage · defensive · bombarded · onslaught · grilling · roasted · shellfire · antiaircraft · shrapnel · crossfire · pressure · scrutiny · blowback · hammered · pummeled · controversy