the.com/open season
The one time of year hunting something is legal instead of just emotionally satisfying.
means A period when a particular target — game animals, or by extension any person or group — can be criticized, mocked, or pursued without restraint, because the usual rules of restraint have been lifted.
from It comes straight from hunting law: wildlife regulations set a specific window, 'open season,' when it's legal to hunt a given species, as opposed to 'closed season' when the same animal is protected. By the early 20th century, people had stretched the phrase figuratively — if everyone suddenly felt free to pile on a celebrity, a politician, or an idea, it was 'open season' on them, no permit required.
- origin
- wildlife law term before it meant gossip or mockery
- opposite
- closed season, when the species gets a break
- modern use
- now means anyone is fair game for criticism
- irony
- the prey rarely consents to the scheduling