fair game

noun

1. a legitimate or likely object of attack, mockery, etc.:

   With his fat, round face, the politician was fair game for the cartoonists.

fair game

noun

1. a legitimate object for ridicule or attack
2. archaic.
   hunting quarry that may legitimately be pursued according to the rules of a particular sport

Word History and Origins

Origin of fair game¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Idioms and Phrases

A legitimate target for attack or ridicule. For example, On his talk show, authors are considered fair game . This expression alludes to hunting. [Early 1800s]

Example Sentences

Another post read, “Maybe I should reach out to local sexual predators and tell them frank strongs kid is fair game.”

From Los Angeles Times

He contends that the former president’s phone calls with members of the same gang — whom Pence called a “gaggle of crackpot lawyers” — are similarly fair game.

From Los Angeles Times

That was conduct by candidate Trump, not President Trump, and is fair game for prosecution.

From Salon

For some, in the battle for Cold War medals, anything to gain an advantage was fair game.

From BBC

Once I picked up a camera, everything was fair game.

From Los Angeles Times