draw fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a military context to refer to attracting enemy fire or attention, but it can also be used metaphorically to mean provoking criticism or controversy. Example: "His controversial comments during the interview seemed to draw fire from both sides of the political spectrum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

If they draw fire, they return it with heavy firepower.

The New York Times

Selling mortgage-backed securities would draw fire from politicians worried about higher mortgage rates.

The Economist

The filmmakers accompany patrols that were explicitly meant to draw fire.

The New Yorker

On Thursday, the university continued to draw fire for its handling of Rice.

The New York Times - Sports

Jeremy Corbyn continues to draw fire from the age's most powerful political intellects.

Independent

What better way for her to shed that reputation than to draw fire from the left?

The New York Times

It also said it feared any such combination would draw fire from regulators.

The New York Times

"I always told him, 'You're a big target, so you'll draw fire,' " Mr. Gissin said.

The New York Times

Indonesia is likely to draw fire for expanding its use of the death penalty.

The Guardian

Like many academic leaders, he has strong ties to industry, some of them certain to draw fire now.

The New York Times

A more public-spirited politician might have withdrawn from politics, to draw fire from the party he helped create.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draw fire" when you want to convey the idea of intentionally or unintentionally attracting negative attention, scrutiny, or direct opposition. Be mindful of the context; it can be used literally in military scenarios or metaphorically in discussions of politics, business, or personal interactions.

Common error

Avoid using "draw fire" when a milder phrase like "attract attention" or "invite comment" would be more appropriate. The phrase "draw fire" implies a significant and potentially hostile reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw fire" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the action of attracting hostile attention or criticism, often intentionally. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw fire" is a common idiomatic expression that means to attract negative attention or criticism. Ludwig AI validates its frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. Grammatically correct and widely understood, it signifies either literally attracting enemy fire or metaphorically inviting controversy. While appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing sensitive topics, it's essential to consider the intensity implied by the phrase and select more moderate alternatives if a milder description suffices. Remember that alternative phrases include "attract attention", "invite criticism" and "become a target".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw flak

A more informal synonym for "draw fire", often used in a military or political context.

become a target

Suggests being singled out, often for attack or scrutiny.

take the heat

Implies absorbing negative attention or blame to protect others.

invite criticism

Highlights the potential for negative feedback or disapproval.

court controversy

Implies intentionally seeking out disagreement or debate.

attract attention

Focuses on the act of gaining attention without necessarily implying a negative reaction.

bear the brunt

Focuses on enduring the main force of an attack or criticism.

provoke a reaction

Emphasizes causing a response, which could be positive, negative, or neutral.

deflect attention

Suggests redirecting focus away from something else.

expose oneself

Highlights the act of making oneself vulnerable to attack or criticism.

FAQs

How can I use "draw fire" in a sentence?

You can use "draw fire" to describe attracting criticism or attention, often in a controversial situation. For example: "The politician's remarks were intended to "draw fire" away from the scandal."

What does it mean to "draw fire"?

"Draw fire" means to attract attention, especially negative attention or criticism. It can also refer literally to attracting enemy gunfire in a military context.

What are some synonyms for "draw fire"?

Some synonyms for "draw fire" include "attract attention", "invite criticism", or "become a target", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "draw fire" in formal writing?

Yes, "draw fire" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing topics such as politics, military strategy, or business, where attracting opposition or scrutiny is a relevant concept.