Being targeted for attack, criticism, or elimination; being the focus of hostile attention.
This phrase comes from rifle and sniper terminology, referring to the intersecting lines in a telescopic sight used to aim at a target. The metaphorical usage emerged in the mid-20th century, particularly during and after World War II, as precision shooting became more prominent in warfare and popular culture.
Unlike broader military metaphors, 'in the crosshairs' implies very specific, deliberate targeting - suggesting that someone isn't just facing general opposition but has been singled out with precision and intent. The phrase gained renewed relevance in the digital age, where online targeting and 'cancel culture' create modern equivalents of being in someone's crosshairs.
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