in the crosshairs

prepositional phrase3

1. •
   Targeted at the point of intersection of the two perpendicular lines in a gunsight or scope.
2. •
   (figurative) Subject to close scrutiny.
3. •
   (figurative) Singled out for blame, harassment, or other unwanted attention.

   • Nettles lives in the crosshairs, with the secret police, his sympathizers, and his now and would-be lovers making impossible demands on him. — 1989