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Definition

To create a distraction that allows one's friends, co-workers, or other associates to gain an advantage over the distracted party.

To attract criticism or an angry reaction.

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In Context

  • "By-the-way, you've never had much talk with Miss Woodburn, have you, March?" "Not so much as with Miss Woodburn's father." "Well, he is rather apt to scoop the conversation. I must draw his fire, sometime, when you and Mrs. March are around, and get you a chance with Miss Woodburn.""
  • "The Compugraphics Corporation, a company that once drew fire for its income‐augmenting accounting practices, is making an impression in Wall Street these days with a solid record of quality earnings gains."
  • "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."
  • "CBS television President Les Moonves has been the man in the hot seat. After a conservative outcry, he abruptly canceled a mini-series about Ronald Reagan, only to draw fire from liberals complaining that he caved in to pressure."