under fire from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under fire from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is receiving criticism or scrutiny, often in a public context. Example: "The politician was under fire from the media for his controversial statements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They immediately came under fire from Akha.

The New Yorker

First the police came under fire from BIFF fighters.

The Economist

Yet the TPP is under fire from all sides.

The Economist

Prepaid cards have increasingly come under fire from regulators.

The New York Times

Soon she found herself under fire from both sides.

The New York Times

"Our forces are coming under fire from a hospital.

The New York Times

The bill came under fire from many Democrats but passed.

The New York Times

"We were under fire from the start," he said.

The New York Times

They come under fire from Iraqis and return fire.

The Guardian

Radicals thus find themselves under fire from opposite directions.

The Guardian - Books

Other prominent figures come under fire from Schwarz.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under fire from" when you want to convey a sense of intense criticism or scrutiny directed at someone or something. Be mindful of the context to ensure the figurative language is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "under fire from" in situations where the criticism is mild or constructive. The phrase implies significant pressure or opposition, so ensure the context warrants such strong language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under fire from" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a subject is experiencing intense criticism or scrutiny. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in describing situations where individuals, organizations, or ideas are facing strong opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under fire from" is a common and correct idiom used to describe situations where someone or something is facing intense criticism or scrutiny. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the intensity it implies. Alternative phrases such as "facing criticism from" or "subjected to scrutiny by" can be used in contexts where a less intense expression is more appropriate. Be mindful of overuse, as the phrase's strength lies in its ability to convey significant pressure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the firing line of

Indicates being the target of criticism, but perhaps more imminently.

criticized by

Directly states the act of criticism, removing the figurative language.

facing criticism from

Replaces "under fire" with a more neutral term, focusing on the act of being criticized.

drawing flak from

An alternative idiom that maintains the imagery of "fire" but is slightly less common.

subjected to scrutiny by

Highlights the act of being closely examined, often implying potential fault-finding.

questioned by

Highlights the act of being asked about or doubted.

attacked by

Emphasizes a more aggressive form of opposition than "under fire".

challenged by

Indicates a questioning or contesting of ideas or actions.

opposed by

Focuses on resistance or disagreement, rather than direct criticism.

confronted by

Suggests a direct and potentially hostile encounter.

FAQs

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

Use "under fire from" to indicate that a person or entity is receiving intense criticism or is being heavily scrutinized. For example, "The company was "under fire from" environmental groups for its pollution record."

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

You can use alternatives such as "facing criticism from", "subjected to scrutiny by", or "attacked by" depending on the desired level of intensity.

Which is correct, "under fire from" or "under attack from"?

Both "under fire from" and "under attack from" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Under fire" implies strong criticism or scrutiny, while "under attack" suggests a more aggressive or hostile opposition.

What's the difference between "under fire from" and "under pressure from"?

"Under fire from" indicates criticism or scrutiny, while "under pressure from" suggests being influenced or forced to act due to external demands. They describe different types of external forces.