The chairman has come under fire over this project. This means that the chairman has been

Step 1: Analyze the question The question tests your understanding of the idiom "come under fire." You must pick the meaning that fits the sentence "The chairman has come under fire over this project."

Step 2: Explain the concept "To come under fire" literally describes soldiers being shot at. Figuratively, it means to be strongly criticised or attacked, usually by the public, the media, or colleagues.

Examples:

• The minister came under fire for the poor state of the roads. (He was heavily criticised.)
• The school principal came under fire from parents over increased fees.

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. severely criticised. This matches the idiom's meaning exactly.
• B. highly praised. This is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
• C. given the go-ahead. This means approved, which has nothing to do with being attacked.
• D. charged to court. This is a legal action. Criticism may sometimes lead to it, but the idiom itself does not mean it.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. severely criticised.

Tip: Idioms with "fire" often suggest attack or trouble. "Under fire" means being attacked verbally, and "open fire" means to start attacking. If you meet an unfamiliar idiom, picture the literal image and ask whether the sentence sounds positive or negative. Here, soldiers being shot at points to something negative, which leaves A.