be panned by critics

Meaning

This expression means to receive very harsh, negative reviews from professional reviewers or journalists. It is commonly used in the entertainment industry to describe movies, plays, books, or albums that failed to impress the public or experts.

Examples

• Despite being panned by critics, the movie went on to become a massive box office hit.

  Despite being panned by critics, the movie went on to become a massive box office hit.

• Her debut novel was panned by critics for having a weak and predictable plot.

  Her debut novel was panned by critics for having a weak and predictable plot.

• The director's latest sci-fi epic was panned by critics and audiences alike.

  The director's latest sci-fi epic was panned by critics and audiences alike.

• It's rare for a film to be panned by critics but still win multiple awards.

  It's rare for a film to be panned by critics but still win multiple awards.

• The new Broadway show was panned by critics on its opening night.

  The new Broadway show was panned by critics on its opening night.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The movie was pinned by critics for its bad acting.

  ✓ The movie was panned by critics for its bad acting.

  The verb is 'pan' (panned), not 'pin'. 'To pan' means to criticize severely.

• ✗ His album got panned from critics.

  ✓ His album was panned by critics.

  The passive construction 'be panned' requires the preposition 'by' to introduce the agent (critics).

Related Expressions

Practice

• The highly anticipated sequel was ___ for its weak storyline.

  💡 strongly criticized by professional reviewers (passive voice)

  Show answer

  panned by critics

• Even if a play is ___, it can still find a dedicated fan base.

  💡 given terrible reviews by experts

  Show answer

  panned by critics