Being subjected to harsh criticism, attack, or intense pressure from others.
Originally a military term from the 16th century describing soldiers exposed to enemy gunfire or artillery bombardment. The metaphorical extension to non-military situations developed in the 19th century, as the concept of being 'attacked' by criticism paralleled the experience of battlefield exposure.
The phrase perfectly captures the psychological similarity between facing literal bullets and facing harsh criticism - both create stress responses and require mental fortitude to endure. Modern usage often appears in political and business contexts, where leaders frequently find themselves 'under fire' from media, opponents, or stakeholders.
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