sitting target

Defenseless, stationary prey

A sitting target is someone or something highly vulnerable to attack or criticism—exposed, stationary, and easy to hit.

The phrase comes from hunting, where prey that isn't moving presents no challenge.

Without security updates, the old server was a sitting target for hackers.

Also called a sitting duck.

Related

easy mark · low hanging fruit · exposed · out in the open · stationary · prey · unprotected · easy prey · visible · passive · scapegoat · defenseless · trapped · fall guy · susceptible · bullseye · endangered · inert

Opposites
vulnerability and defensibility

sitting targetfortified position

Defended military location

safe haven · stronghold · bunker · sanctuary · safe house

mobility and evasiveness

sitting targetmoving target

Object in motion pursued

fast mover · will-o'-the-wisp · quick on one's feet · unpredictable · nimble

threat posture

sitting targethunter

Pursuer of prey

predator · aggressor · pursuer · apex predator · attacker

Family

sitting, target, sitter, sitters, targets, targeted, targeting

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG