is under fire

USAGE SUMMARY

'is under fire' is an idiom that is commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe someone or something that is being harshly criticized. For example: "The company has come under fire for its environmental policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he is under fire.

The Economist

Now he is under fire once again.

The Economist

"The N.C.A.A. is under fire," Huma said.

The New York Times - Sports

GEORGE BUSH's flagship foreign-aid programme is under fire.

The Economist

Yet Lula is under fire, mainly from his supposed allies.

The Economist

Yet the TPP is under fire from all sides.

The Economist

The central government is under fire for withholding information.

The Economist

Now the company is under fire once again.

The Economist

Mr Cameron's diplomacy is under fire at home and abroad.

Independent

Even the Fifa mascot, Fuleco the armadillo, is under fire.

The Guardian

Deshmukh himself is under fire and unlikely to survive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is under fire" to describe situations where there is significant criticism or controversy, typically in a public or formal context. Avoid using it for minor disagreements.

Common error

While "is under fire" is a vivid expression, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "facing criticism" or "subject to scrutiny" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is under fire" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that someone or something is currently experiencing significant criticism or scrutiny. This usage is supported by numerous examples in the Ludwig database.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is under fire" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe situations where someone or something is facing significant criticism or scrutiny. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience, and be mindful of overusing it. Alternatives such as "facing criticism" or "subject to scrutiny" can provide variety and nuance. While the expression conveys a sense of pressure and negative attention, be sure the context warrants such a strong term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is facing criticism

Focuses on the act of being criticized, without necessarily implying a strong attack.

is facing scrutiny

Highlights the aspect of being closely examined and investigated.

is being attacked

Emphasizes a direct and forceful assault, either verbally or otherwise.

is in the hot seat

Suggests a position of discomfort and intense questioning.

is the subject of controversy

Highlights that a dispute exists concerning the subject.

is drawing flak

Implies receiving heavy criticism, often unexpectedly.

is in the crosshairs

Indicates being targeted for attack or criticism.

is taking heat

Suggests experiencing pressure and criticism.

is in a difficult position

A more general term that indicates trouble but does not necessarily imply attack.

is embroiled in controversy

Suggests being deeply involved in a situation of public disagreement.

FAQs

How to use "is under fire" in a sentence?

Use "is under fire" to describe a person, organization, or idea facing heavy criticism or scrutiny. For example: "The company "is under fire" for its environmental policies".

What can I say instead of "is under fire"?

You can use alternatives like "facing criticism", "subject to scrutiny", or "being attacked" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is under fire" or "comes under fire"?

"Is under fire" and "comes under fire" are both correct. "Comes under fire" often indicates the beginning of the criticism, while "is under fire" describes the ongoing state of being criticized.

What's the difference between "is under fire" and "is being investigated"?

"Is under fire" implies public criticism or controversy, while "is being investigated" suggests a formal inquiry, potentially legal or internal. They aren't mutually exclusive, but they emphasize different aspects of the situation.