come under siege

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come under siege" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a person, organization, or place is being attacked or heavily criticized. Example: "The company came under siege from negative media coverage after the scandal broke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Soon, profits in the financial arena will come under siege.

The New York Times

Starting in the '60s, the world defined by these talismans would come under siege.

The New York Times

"They allowed a whole city to come under siege," he said.

The New York Times

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is the latest public company to come under siege by a one-man activist force.

The New York Times

Hilda Cronje and Bongile Mantsai give full-immersion performances as the doomed lovers whose very identities come under siege.

The New York Times

Mr. Stern and the Parks Department have presented some other inconsistencies as the department has come under siege.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

But in 2002, when their home came under siege, my father joined the M.D.C.

The New York Times

Ms. Blagojevic was 15 when her town, Gorazde, came under siege and her school was destroyed.

The New York Times

It sounds like a component in Australian urban life that's coming under siege.

The Guardian - Music

I can see the government increasingly coming under siege, incapable of responding.

The Guardian

As Homs comes under siege, the liberated pockets become virtual prisons.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come under siege" to describe situations where there's intense pressure or a sustained attack, whether literal or figurative. It's effective for conveying a sense of being surrounded or overwhelmed by challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "come under siege" in everyday, minor situations. This phrase carries a strong connotation of being seriously threatened or attacked; reserve it for scenarios that genuinely warrant such a description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come under siege" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It signifies that a subject is experiencing a period of intense pressure, attack, or scrutiny, as exemplified by various entries in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come under siege" is a verb phrase indicating a state of intense pressure, attack, or scrutiny. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in news and media contexts. While versatile, reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such a description to avoid overstatement. Related phrases include "be subjected to attack" and ""face intense scrutiny"", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be subjected to attack

Focuses on the action of being attacked, less metaphorical than 'siege'.

be under heavy fire

Similar to being attacked, but often used in contexts of public criticism or debate.

face intense scrutiny

Emphasizes the aspect of detailed and critical examination.

endure heavy criticism

Highlights the enduring aspect of criticism, suggesting a prolonged period.

be beleaguered by challenges

Underscores the feeling of being overwhelmed by ongoing difficulties.

be beset by problems

Highlights the presence of numerous and persistent issues.

encounter significant opposition

Emphasizes the opposition faced, particularly in a formal or structured setting.

be confronted with hostility

Focuses on facing opposition or antagonistic behavior.

be targeted for disapproval

Highlights the intentional targeting of someone or something for negative sentiment.

go through a trial by fire

Emphasizes a difficult situation, implying a test of resilience.

FAQs

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

You can use "come under siege" to describe a situation where a person, place, or organization is facing intense pressure or attack. For example: "The company "came under siege" after the scandal was revealed."

What's a good alternative to "come under siege"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "come under attack", "face intense scrutiny", or "be beleaguered by challenges".

Is it appropriate to use "come under siege" in formal writing?

Yes, "come under siege" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports, academic papers, or business communications where you want to convey a serious and sustained challenge.

What is the difference between "come under siege" and "come under pressure"?

"Come under siege" implies a more intense and sustained attack or threat, while "come under pressure" suggests facing demands or expectations. Siege evokes a sense of being surrounded, whereas pressure indicates being urged or compelled.