open season
Legal game time
Open season is the period when hunting a particular animal is legally permitted: Open season on deer begins next month.
Figuratively, it describes a time when someone or something becomes a target for criticism, attack, or exploitation: The scandal made it open season on the mayor.
The phrase implies vulnerability and unrestricted license to go after the target.
One harmed by another
- preyAnimal being hunted
- markVisible impression or sign
- pursuitAct of chasing something
- stalkingStealthy, persistent pursuit
ambush · attack · scapegoat · bullying · harassment · persecution · vilification · witch hunt
Unregulated group conflict
- unregulatedNot controlled by rules
- unrestrainedNot held back
- anything goesNo restrictions apply
- no holds barredWithout rules or limits
carte blanche · unbridled · unchecked · lawless · chaotic · wild west · gloves off · no limits
Elevated hunting platform
- blaze orangeHigh-visibility fluorescent shade
- camouflageConcealment through visual blending
- game wardenWildlife law enforcer
- bag limitMaximum legal catch
license · tracking · wildlife · trophy · buckshot · rifle · archery · duck call
victim
One harmed by another
stalking · ambush · attack · scapegoat · bullying · harassment · persecution · vilification · witch hunt · pile-on
free-for-all
Unregulated group conflict
- unregulatedNot controlled by rules
- unrestrainedNot held back
- anything goesNo restrictions apply
no holds barred · carte blanche · unbridled · unchecked · lawless · chaotic · wild west · gloves off · no limits · permissive
deer stand
Elevated hunting platform
- blaze orangeHigh-visibility fluorescent shade
- camouflageConcealment through visual blending
- game wardenWildlife law enforcer
bag limit · license · tracking · wildlife · trophy · buckshot · rifle · archery · duck call · venison
attacks
Aggressive hostile actions
- ridiculeContemptuous mocking treatment
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
- roastingCooking with dry heat
takedown · panning · slamming · flak · condemnation · scrutiny · pilloried · lambasted · skewered · derision
- small game huntinghare, rabbit, cottontail, jackrabbit, groundhog
- fishing rulesfishing license, fishing permit, fishing permits, fishing quota, bag limit
open seasonclosed season
Protected period for wildlife
hunting ban · off-season · moratorium · wildlife sanctuary · protected status
open seasonoff-limits
Prohibited from access
protected status · hands off · untouchable · immunity · safe harbor
open, opening, season, openly, seasoning, opened, seasoned, opens, seasons