under fire
Facing harsh criticism
Under fire means being shot at: The platoon came under fire as they crossed the ridge.
By extension, it describes anyone facing intense criticism or scrutiny: The mayor has been under fire for her handling of the budget crisis.
Both senses convey being targeted and forced into a defensive position.
- crossfireGunfire from several angles
- bombardmentSustained projectile assault
- gunfireDischarge of weapons
- embattledUnder sustained attack
- attackAggressive act against another
criticism · scrutiny · beleaguered · combat · ambush · bear the brunt · shelling · accountability · hot seat · pressure · backlash · flak · controversy · siege · condemnation · barrage · public opinion · warfare
- fire idiomsfan the flames, spread like wildfire, go up in flames, go up in smoke, up in smoke
- pressureair pressure, blood pressure rise, blood pressure drop, barometric pressure, apply pressure
- conflictclash, fight, war, battle, dispute
- warfarebattle, combat, attack, war, armed conflict
- phrases about braverylion heart, nerves of steel, no fear, bold as brass, stand your ground
- military statusactive duty, enlisted, retired, deployed, veteran
under firesafe
Free from peril
out of harm's way · protected · sheltered · in the clear · secure
under firepraised
Expressed approval of
lauded · celebrated · applauded · acclaimed · commended
under fireat ease
Relaxed, not tense
untroubled · unopposed · unchallenged · left alone · in the clear
fire, under, fired, firing, misfire, firefighter, misfired, misfires, misfiring