under fire UK /ˈʌndə faɪə/US /ˈʌndɚ faɪɚ/ prepositional phrase2 •Subjected to enemy attack with firearms.Enlisted personnel are thoroughly trained and stay calm under fire. Turian units don't break. Even if their entire line collapses, they fall back in order, setting ambushes as they go. — 2008 •(figurative) Criticized or held responsible for something.Meanwhile, the government's own Human Services department is under fire from the Ombudsman for its failure to protect children in its care. — 2009