in the crosshairs
Meaning: Targeted for attack, criticism or scrutiny.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “After the leak, the director is in the crosshairs of the press.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: Crosshairs are the lines in a gun sight or telescope that mark the target. The figurative use is common from the late 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Dans le collimateur — literally: In the collimator
More idioms — Daily Life
- raise a hue and cry — To make a loud public protest.
- a Sophie's choice — An agonizing choice between two terrible options.
- at someone's beck and call — Always ready to obey someone's orders.
- set one's cap at — To try to attract someone as a romantic partner (dated).
- the big leagues — The highest, most competitive level of an activity.
- rich as Croesus — Extremely wealthy.
More English idioms
- hand in hand — Closely together; in close association.
- butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth — Someone looks innocent or proper, but probably is not.
- have the inside track — To have an advantage over others.
- a horn of plenty — An abundant source of something.
- kicking and screaming — Very reluctantly, protesting all the way.
- hands down — Easily; without question.
From our compliments & insults
- Tu as la tête sur les épaules — You're grounded, sensible, and dependable — not easily swept off course.
- Tu as le vent en poupe — Everything is going your way — you're riding a wave of momentum and success.
- Tu es un as — You're brilliant at what you do — the very best.