line of fire

American  

noun

1. the straight horizontal line from the muzzle of a weapon in the direction of the axis of the bore, just prior to firing.

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line of fire British  

noun

1. the flight path of a missile discharged or to be discharged from a firearm

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Etymology

Origin of line of fire

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

They later told their neighbors privately, through diplomatic channels, that they would be in the first line of fire if fighting resumed, Arab officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

Likewise alternative asset managers were also in the line of fire to start the week, given concerns about their potential exposure to software companies through private-credit funds.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

They needed work, even if they were putting themselves in the line of fire.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2025

Prayers for the dead have become a regular ritual in al-Mabrouka, a neighbourhood in the western al-Thawra district of Omdurman that is in the line of fire between the army and the RSF.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2025

Charlie is right in the line of fire.

From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya