Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

fair game


noun

legitimate target: somebody who or something that it is considered permissible to pursue, ridicule, or attack

And unlike under Mr. Hussein, when open criticism brought dire, often fatal consequnces the new Iraqui government appears to be fair game.

So that it becomes the target of open criticism?

Thanks

[bud]

Yes, and it is considered fair (just) to openly critcize it. Sometimes I think the expression implies that the target deserves the criticism, but sometimes it is not that strong. It depends on the context.

Joe was fair game for ridicule when he lost the chess game to Joe. He had boasted that he could beat anyone in 30 moves or less.

The president's newest health care proposal was considered fair game for attack by his critics.

[missdaredevil]

[Bob S.]

[bud]

Interesting, Bob. I never thought of it that way, but it makes a lot of sense. Thanks.