attracted flak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attracted flak" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe receiving criticism or backlash for a particular action or statement. Example: "The politician attracted flak for his controversial remarks during the press conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Kingsholm is not the most welcoming place for referees either and the Irishman Donal Courtney attracted flak from both managers.

The Guardian - Sport

Glenn, to whom Mendes said he merely provided some ground training, had a cheeky nickname implying that he attracted flak like a magnet.

The New York Times - Sports

Not surprisingly, Mr de la Rua's idea has attracted flak from all the political parties, except the small force led by Mr Cavallo.

The Economist

The timing of her post attracted flak from some people on Twitter who pointed out that a surveillance air craft was hovering above the Yemeni capital and that that there had been a suspected US drone strike in the east of the country.

The Guardian

Johnston has attracted flak for his stance as the Scottish Premier League rejected the newco's application.

BBC

The plan to be announced this week touches many political bases, and predictably has already attracted flak from right and left.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He accepts that placing himself centre stage will attract flak, but it's not Feeney's accusation of narcissism that bothers him.

The Guardian - Film

As it is, she has gone into the family business – attracting flak from some critics who mutter that she simply isn't as good.

The Guardian - Music

The governor of Illinois's alleged attempt to sell Mr Obama's old Senate seat has also proved embarrassing, but reasonable people can hardly blame Mr Obama for that.Some of the new cabinet are attracting flak for their beliefs.

The Economist

And celebrities will also attract flak for carrying dull phones.

Forbes

Jeff Bezos is the wealthiest man in the world, and Elon Musk probably its highest-profile billionaire; of course they're going to attract flak from all sides.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attracted flak" when you want to emphasize that someone's actions or words have resulted in notable criticism or opposition. It's stronger than simply saying they were "criticized".

Common error

Avoid using "attracted flak" for minor disagreements or mild criticism. This phrase implies a significant level of negative attention or backlash.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attracted flak" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a subject has become the target of criticism or negative attention. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, citing examples where actions or decisions led to negative reactions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attracted flak" correctly describes a situation where someone or something has received criticism or negative attention, as confirmed by Ludwig. Primarily found in news and media contexts, the phrase indicates a stronger negative reaction than simple criticism. When writing, remember that using "attracted flak" correctly implies a significant level of negative attention, and there are several alternative phrases like "drew criticism" and "received backlash" that can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drew criticism

This alternative is a more general term for receiving negative feedback, without the implication of intense or harsh criticism that "flak" suggests.

received backlash

This phrase suggests a stronger, more negative reaction than simply receiving criticism. It implies a public outcry or strong opposition.

faced condemnation

This implies a formal or strong disapproval, often from an authority or a large group.

incited controversy

This suggests the phrase initiated an event, action or statement that caused considerable public disagreement or debate.

sparked outrage

This implies a sudden and intense feeling of anger or shock, often on a wide scale.

met with disapproval

This phrase is a more subdued way of saying that something was not well-received. It doesn't necessarily imply strong anger or opposition.

encountered resistance

This suggests opposition to a plan or idea, often in a more formal or structured setting.

stirred discontent

This means causing unhappiness or dissatisfaction, often leading to protests or other forms of opposition.

garnered disapproval

This alternative is a synonym for 'attracted disapproval', but it is slightly more formal.

elicited negative feedback

This is a neutral and broad way of saying that something received negative responses, without specifying the intensity or source of the feedback.

FAQs

How to use "attracted flak" in a sentence?

You can use "attracted flak" to describe situations where someone or something has received criticism or negative attention as a result of their actions, for example: "The company "attracted flak" for its environmental policies".

What can I say instead of "attracted flak"?

You can use alternatives like "drew criticism", "received backlash", or "faced condemnation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "attracted flak" or "received flak"?

"Attracted flak" and "received flak" are both correct and used to express criticism, but ""attracted flak"" is more common.

What's the difference between "attracted flak" and "faced criticism"?

"Attracted flak" often suggests that the person or entity did something to actively cause the criticism, while "faced criticism" is a more neutral term indicating that criticism was simply directed at them, regardless of whether they provoked it.