public enemy number one


public enemy number one

A person or concept that is despised or disapproved of by a large portion of the population. The pharmaceutical executive became public enemy number one almost overnight with his decision to hike the price of an inexpensive but lifesaving drug. The newly elected prime minister has stated that the homelessness crisis would be considered public enemy number one under her administration.See also: enemy, number, one, public

public enemy number one

1 a notorious wanted criminal. 2 a person or thing regarded as the greatest threat to a group or community. 2 1995 Independent So foods that pile on the pounds are seen as Public Enemy Number One. See also: enemy, number, one, public

public ˌenemy number ˈone

a person or a thing that is thought to be the greatest threat to a group or community: Genetically modified foods have replaced nuclear power as public enemy number one. ♢ The gangster Kline became America’s public enemy number one during the Depression.See also: enemy, number, one, public