get flak

USAGE SUMMARY

'get flak' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom which means to receive criticism or negative feedback. For example, "The Prime Minister has been getting a lot of flak for her decisions lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

What else do you get flak for?

The New York Times

You really get flak for saying it".

Independent

Even the approved eccentrics get flak.

The New York Times

Did you get flak for it at school?

The Guardian - Music

I will get flak on this judgment from acronymaniacs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Schumer said he knew "I'd get flak" for supporting Mr. Hagel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Yeah, I'm still getting flak.

The Guardian - Music

"We've gotten flak," he said.

The New York Times

Terry is rightly getting flak, and he's brought it on himself.

Independent

After the first episode went out, we got flak in the press.

The Guardian

Lots of governments have yet to do so.The Bush administration also gets flak for the convention's difficulties.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get flak" when you want to convey that someone is receiving criticism, often implying that the criticism is somewhat harsh or unfair. This phrase is appropriate for journalistic writing and informal communication.

Common error

Don't confuse "get flak" (receiving criticism) with needing a "flak jacket" (protective gear). While the origin of the term "flak" comes from anti-aircraft fire, in modern usage, "get flak" is about verbal, not physical, attacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get flak" functions as an idiomatic expression to denote the act of receiving criticism or negative feedback. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. The provided examples illustrate its use across various contexts, primarily in news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get flak" is a commonly used idiom that describes the act of receiving criticism or negative feedback. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a valid phrase in written English. The idiom is most often encountered in news and media contexts. While it's not overly formal, "get flak" isn't strictly casual either, making it appropriate for a range of communication styles. Related phrases include "receive criticism" and "face backlash", offering alternative ways to express the same concept. Remember that "get flak" describes verbal, not physical, attacks and therefore shouldn't be mistaken for protective gear such as "flak jacket".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive criticism

A more formal and direct way of saying "get flak".

face backlash

Implies a strong negative reaction, possibly from a large group.

draw fire

Suggests being the target of intense criticism or attacks.

come under attack

Similar to "draw fire" but can imply a more verbal or metaphorical assault.

endure censure

Indicates formal disapproval or condemnation.

be rebuked

Suggests a formal and often authoritative scolding.

bear the brunt of

Implies taking the main force of something unpleasant, like criticism.

suffer disapproval

A more general term for experiencing negative opinions.

meet with resistance

Highlights the opposition faced, rather than the criticism itself.

invite condemnation

Suggests actions that are likely to provoke strong disapproval.

FAQs

How can I use "get flak" in a sentence?

You can use "get flak" to indicate that someone is receiving criticism or negative feedback. For example, "The company is going to "get flak" for its new policy."

What's a less informal way to say "get flak"?

More formal alternatives to "get flak" include "receive criticism" or "face backlash". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "get flak"?

Yes, "get flak" always implies a negative reaction or criticism. It's never used in a positive or neutral context. The intensity of the negative feedback can vary, but it's always present.

What's the origin of the phrase "get flak"?

The term "flak" originates from the German word 'Fliegerabwehrkanone', referring to anti-aircraft fire. Over time, it evolved to mean strong criticism or opposition, metaphorically similar to being bombarded with anti-aircraft fire.