draw fire

verb3

1. •
   In an armed encounter, to attract gunfire from an adversary, whether unintentionally or deliberately for the purpose of allowing one's allies or colleagues to gain a tactical advantage over the adversary.

   • "If you find only a handful of men there, drive them off; if they are in force, get near enough to draw their fire and find out their strength." — 1894
2. •
   To create a distraction that allows one's friends, co-workers, or other associates to gain an advantage over the distracted party.
3. •
   To attract criticism or an angry reaction.

   • An Irish writer living in Devon, Trevor is alert to the quirks of people on both sides of the Irish Sea […] Bullies and bigots of every stripe draw his fire. — 1979