Definition

Phrasal Verb: - To receive or be subjected to something, typically something unwelcome or critical, such as blame, criticism, or scrutiny.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe the experience of being the target or recipient of something, usually negative. It is transitive and inseparable; the object (what is received) follows "for."

Examples

• The company's management came in for severe criticism after the data breach.
• His controversial proposal is likely to come in for a great deal of opposition.
• The new policy has come in for praise from some groups and condemnation from others.

Advanced Usage

• The phrasal verb is often used in passive constructions, though the active form is more common.
  • A lot of flak was come in for by the minister. (This passive construction is grammatically possible but very rare and awkward. The active voice is strongly preferred: The minister came in for a lot of flak.)

Variants and Related Words

• Incur (verb): To become subject to (something unwelcome) as a result of one's own actions. () "Incur" is a more formal synonym.
• Face (verb): To confront or deal with (a problem or difficult situation). ()
• Be subjected to (phrase): To be made to experience something, especially something unpleasant. ()

Synonyms

• Receive
• Be subjected to
• Incur
• Attract (e.g., )
• Draw (e.g., )

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Come into: To inherit or acquire (e.g., ). This has a positive connotation, unlike "come in for."
• Come up for: To be due or considered for (e.g., ).

Related Idioms

• Come under fire: To be severely criticized. () This idiom is very close in meaning to "come in for criticism."

Verb

1. be subject to or the object of
   • The governor came in for a lot of criticism