be under siege

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be under siege" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is being attacked, pressured, or overwhelmed, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The company has been under siege from negative media coverage and public criticism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

But the cups may be under siege.

The New York Times

Today, photography itself could be said to be under siege.

The Guardian - Arts

"The city was declared to be under siege.

The Guardian

Clearly, this is someone who understands what it feels like to be under siege.

The New York Times

Communal movie-going may be under siege from other entertainment options.

The Washington Post

It was a society that felt itself to be under siege.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"We are under siege.

The New York Times

The city is under siege.

The New York Times

His family were under siege.

Independent

Egypt is under siege.

The Guardian

We're under siege.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be under siege" to convey a sense of intense and sustained pressure or attack, whether literal or metaphorical. It's stronger than simply saying someone is "under pressure".

Common error

Avoid using "be under siege" in situations that are merely stressful or challenging. Reserve it for scenarios involving significant and persistent adversity to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be under siege" functions as a predicate adjective describing the state of a subject being attacked, pressured, or overwhelmed. Ludwig examples show this usage across varied contexts, confirming its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be under siege" is a versatile expression used to describe a state of intense pressure or attack. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and finds frequent use in news and media contexts. While similar to "be under pressure", it conveys a more severe and sustained form of adversity. When using this phrase, consider its strong connotations and reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such emphasis. Alternatives like "be besieged" or "be under attack" can offer slight variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be besieged

More formal and direct synonym, emphasizing encirclement and attack.

be embattled

Suggests a state of being involved in conflict or difficulties.

be under attack

Focuses on the act of being actively attacked, whether physically or metaphorically.

be fighting a battle

Implies active resistance against challenges or opposition.

be facing an onslaught

Highlights the intensity and overwhelming nature of the attack or pressure.

be in dire straits

Highlights the severity and urgency of the problematic situation.

be under pressure

General term for experiencing stress or demands, less severe than "under siege".

be in a crisis

Indicates a critical situation, though not necessarily due to external forces.

be in a tight spot

Informal way of saying someone is in a difficult situation.

be struggling

Suggests difficulty in managing a situation, lacking the sense of external attack.

FAQs

How can I use "be under siege" in a sentence?

You can use "be under siege" to describe a person, place, or thing facing intense pressure or attack. For example: "The city was declared to "be under siege"." or "The company has been under siege from negative media coverage."

What's a more formal way to say "be under siege"?

A more formal alternative to "be under siege" is "be besieged", which carries a similar meaning but has a more literary tone.

Is it always negative to "be under siege"?

Yes, "be under siege" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting a situation of intense pressure, attack, or hardship. It's generally used to describe undesirable circumstances.

What's the difference between "be under siege" and "be under pressure"?

"Be under siege" implies a more intense and sustained form of attack or pressure, often suggesting a feeling of being surrounded or overwhelmed. "Be under pressure" is a more general term for experiencing stress or demands.