catch flak

USAGE SUMMARY

"catch flak" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to receiving criticism or backlash for something. Example: "The politician caught flak for his controversial remarks." Alternative expressions include "face criticism" and "receive backlash."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I do catch flak.

The New Yorker

He was sure to catch flak.

The New York Times

"On political reforms, he didn't take any risks that would catch flak".

The New York Times

"Did we ever catch flak," Jukes says, recalling occasions when outraged geneticists began screaming at him during parties.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It seems obvious that in 2012 the band would catch flak for their inaccurate and insensitive appropriation of Native American culture.

The Guardian - Music

All the men who attended the seminars were very nice men — also quite brave men, because they'd catch flak on their campuses for going to a women's college to do a feminist seminar.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Pill caught flak for the video's imagery.

The Guardian - Music

This year, however, Deutsche Bahn caught flak at home for some dangerous air-conditioning malfunctions.

The Economist

He caught flak for saying he hoped "anyone but England" won the World Cup in 2006.

The New York Times - Sports

She caught flak in 2003 when she did a saucy photo shoot for FHM magazine.

The Washington Post

Moby caught flak for saying food stamps shouldn't pay for junk food.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "catch flak" when you want to convey that someone is receiving criticism or negative feedback, often as a consequence of their actions or statements. It's suitable for describing situations where the criticism is somewhat expected or deserved.

Common error

While "catch flak" is widely understood, it might be too informal for certain formal or academic writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "receive criticism" or "face scrutiny" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch flak" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of receiving criticism or negative feedback. Ludwig shows that it is primarily used to describe situations where individuals or entities are subjected to scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "catch flak" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that means to receive criticism or negative feedback. It is considered appropriate for news and media contexts, although it may be less suitable for highly formal writing. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is often used to describe situations where someone is facing scrutiny as a direct result of their actions or statements. While alternative phrases like "receive criticism" or "face backlash" may be used in more formal settings, "catch flak" provides a concise and readily understood way to convey the idea of receiving negative repercussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive criticism

A more formal and direct alternative, focusing on the act of receiving negative feedback.

face backlash

Similar in meaning, but implies a stronger, more forceful negative reaction.

draw fire

An idiomatic expression suggesting that someone is being targeted with criticism.

come under attack

Implies a more aggressive form of criticism or opposition.

get stick

A more informal, British English alternative.

bear the brunt

Suggests enduring the main force of criticism or negative consequences.

encounter disapproval

A milder, more formal way of saying someone is facing criticism.

meet with resistance

Focuses on the opposition or pushback received, rather than the criticism itself.

be taken to task

Implies being formally reprimanded or criticized.

endure censure

Suggests formal and severe disapproval.

FAQs

What does it mean to "catch flak"?

To "catch flak" means to receive criticism, negative feedback, or backlash, often as a result of one's actions or statements.

What can I say instead of "catch flak"?

You can use alternatives such as "receive criticism", "face backlash", or "draw fire", depending on the context.

Is "catch flak" a formal or informal expression?

"Catch flak" is generally considered an informal expression, best suited for casual conversations, news reporting, or less formal writing. More formal contexts may require alternatives like "receive criticism".

How do I use "catch flak" in a sentence?

You can use "catch flak" in a sentence like this: "The politician "caught flak" for his controversial remarks."