open season

noun

1. a specific season or time of year when it is legal to catch or hunt for fish or game protected at all other times by the law.
2. a period of time in which a person or thing is exposed to criticism, attack, or recrimination:

   Election year is open season on all incumbents.

open season

noun

1. a specified period of time in the year when it is legal to hunt or kill game or fish protected at other times by law
2. often foll by on a time when criticism or mistreatment is common

   open season on women employees

Word History and Origins

Origin of open season¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

At a rally days before the election, Trump brought the house down once again by declaring open season on members of the press.

From Salon

It's a declaration of open season on anyone deemed “Other.”

From Salon

It’s now open season on the voter rolls.

From Slate

“Industry lawyers believe it is open season to go after regulations,” Michael Gerrard, an environmental law professor at Columbia University, said.

From Salon

“Israel is trying to show its own people that it’s open season on Hamas leaders,” said Daniel Byman, a veteran researcher on the Middle East and senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

From Los Angeles Times