season

a man for all seasons (slightly formal)

a man who is very successful in many different types of activity. He's chairman of a large chemicals company as well as a successful painter - really a man for all seasons.

See also: all, man

open season

a period of time when people criticize or unfairly treat a particular person or group of people. With the publication of these two reports, it seems to be open season again on single mothers. (often + on) Newspaper editors have declared open season on the royal family.

See also: open

the silly season (British & Australian, informal)

a period of time in the summer when there is not much news, especially political news, so the newspapers have articles about events that are not important. It's the silly season again, and as usual, the papers are full of stories about the Loch Ness Monster.

See also: silly

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in season

1. available fresh locally. Strawberries are in season here in May and June.

Usage notes: usually said about food

2. at the time of year when hunting or fishing is legal. Trout are now in season, which means the rivers are full of people fishing.

3. at the time of year when something is popular. In season, the rooms with an ocean view are more than $300 a night.

out of season

open season (on someone/something)

a situation in which someone or something is criticized or treated unfairly. City newspapers have declared open season on the mayor. She feels it's almost like someone has declared open season on anyone who looks like a foreigner.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of open season (= the time of year when hunting is legal)

See also: open

out of season

1. at the time of year when hunting or fishing is not legal. He got fined for killing a deer out of season.

2. not available fresh locally. Asparagus is out of season now and really expensive.

3. at the time of year when something is not popular. We like going to beach towns out of season.

in season