be under fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be under fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is facing criticism, scrutiny, or intense pressure, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The politician was under fire for his controversial remarks during the press conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

But the central bankers will be under fire.

The Economist

It is rare for anyone to be under fire on all seven of the above issues".

The New Yorker

They are going to be under fire in the governance area, in the regulatory area.

The New York Times

The irony is that both companies now appear to be under fire for placing emotional constraints on us.

Independent

"I don't think the United States would have allowed that Washington would be under fire," Mr. Sharon said.

The New York Times

Hosted by Emma Willis, Celebrity Big Brother is believed to be under fire by this year's batch of contestants before they have even entered the house.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Coach Erik Spoelstra was under fire.

The New York Times

But he is under fire.

The Economist

Now he is under fire once again.

The Economist

"The N.C.A.A. is under fire," Huma said.

The New York Times - Sports

He's been under fire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be under fire" when you want to convey a sense of intense scrutiny or criticism, especially in situations where someone's actions or decisions are being heavily questioned.

Common error

While "be under fire" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "facing criticism" or "getting heat" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be under fire" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily acting as a predicate adjective describing the state of a subject. It indicates that the subject is experiencing significant criticism, pressure, or scrutiny. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be under fire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used idiomatic expression that describes a state of intense criticism or scrutiny. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it carries a neutral register and is suitable for various contexts. If you wish to express the same idea, consider alternatives like "face criticism" or "come under attack". Remember to avoid overuse in very informal settings to maintain a natural tone. Ultimately, the phrase effectively conveys that someone is navigating a situation marked by considerable opposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come under attack

Emphasizes the aggressive nature of the opposition or scrutiny.

be in the hot seat

An idiomatic expression indicating a position of discomfort and intense questioning.

draw flak

Emphasizes the barrage of criticism, similar to anti-aircraft fire.

face criticism

Focuses specifically on the act of being criticized, omitting the sense of attack or pressure.

encounter backlash

Highlights the negative reaction or opposition received.

be subjected to scrutiny

Highlights the intense examination and potential fault-finding.

be pilloried

Highlights public condemnation and ridicule.

bear the brunt

Focuses on enduring the most severe part of an attack or criticism.

be in a difficult position

A more general phrase that suggests a challenging situation, not necessarily involving direct attack.

meet with disapproval

A more formal way of saying that something is not being received well.

FAQs

How to use "be under fire" in a sentence?

You can use "be under fire" to describe someone or something facing intense criticism or scrutiny. For example, "The company was "under fire" for its environmental policies".

What can I say instead of "be under fire"?

You can use alternatives like "face criticism", "come under attack", or "be subjected to scrutiny" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be under fire" or "being under fire"?

"Be under fire" is generally used as the infinitive form or in constructions with auxiliary verbs (e.g., "will be under fire"). "Being under fire" can be used as a gerund or in continuous tenses (e.g., "He is being under fire"). Both are grammatically sound in the appropriate context.

What's the difference between "be under fire" and "be under attack"?

While both phrases suggest a negative situation, "be under attack" usually implies a more direct and aggressive assault, whereas "be under fire" can also refer to facing heavy criticism or scrutiny without a physical attack.