fair game
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fair game
In a figurative sense, a person or group that is defenselessly exposed to attacks, criticism, or exploitation.
Nachdem ihre Affäre bekannt wurde, war die Politikerin für die Presse praktisch Freiwild.
After her affair became public, the politician was practically fair game for the press.
game without a closed season
In hunting terminology, game that is not subject to a closed season and may therefore be hunted all year round.
In manchen Regionen gilt das Wildschwein als Freiwild, um die Population zu kontrollieren.
In some regions, wild boar is considered game without a closed season in order to control the population.
The word is made up of 'frei' (free) and 'Wild' (wild animals/game). The literal meaning is 'game that is free to hunt.' From this comes the figurative meaning of a defenseless person.
Nach dem Skandal war der Minister Freiwild für die Journalisten.
After the scandal, the minister was fair game for the journalists.
The figurative meaning, which refers to people, is much more common in everyday language than the original hunting meaning. When people are being discussed, this figurative meaning is always meant.
In sozialen Netzwerken fühlen sich manche anonym und behandeln andere wie Freiwild.
On social networks, some people feel anonymous and treat others like fair game.
In the figurative meaning, 'Freiwild' (fair game) is often used with verbs such as 'sein' (to be), 'werden' (to become), or 'gelten als' (to be considered). The phrase 'zum Freiwild werden' describes the process of becoming defenseless.
Seit er seine Meinung öffentlich äußerte, ist er zum Freiwild für seine Gegner geworden.
Since he expressed his opinion publicly, he has become fair game for his opponents.
The original meaning from hunting is purely technical language ('Jägersprache', hunting terminology). Outside texts about hunting or forestry, you will hardly encounter this meaning.
Der Jäger erklärte, warum das Wildschwein in dieser Region als Freiwild gilt.
The hunter explained why wild boar is considered game without a closed season in this region.
victim / sacrifice
Opfer refers to a person who has already been harmed by a negative event. Freiwild (fair game), by contrast, emphasizes their defenseless situation: others can seemingly attack or exploit them without hindrance. A person can therefore be both an Opfer and Freiwild.
Ohne Unterstützung fühlte sie sich für weitere Angriffe wie Freiwild.
Without support, she felt like fair game for further attacks.
Nach dem gewaltsamen Angriff brauchte das Opfer ärztliche Hilfe.
After the violent attack, the victim needed medical attention.
