To be under fire means facing strong criticism or pressure, or attack, particularly in the public eye.
The phrase comes from warfare, where soldiers are literally under fire when they are being shot at by the enemy. The danger and pressure of that situation led to the figurative use of the expression.
The phrase comes from warfare, where soldiers are literally under fire when they are being shot at by the enemy. The danger and pressure of that situation led to the figurative use of the expression.
The mayor came under fire after the budget cuts were announced.