battle line
Americannoun
noun
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the line along which troops are positioned for battle
-
conflict or argument is about to occur between opposing people or groups
Etymology
Origin of battle line
First recorded in 1805–15
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"This is coming like a tsunami and we are the first people on the battle line," said Sherry Brown, a background actor.
From Barron's ● Feb. 17, 2026
The orcas, having identified their target, form a battle line and start charging toward the floe.
From National Geographic ● Sep. 13, 2023
Regardless, this “my house, my rules” notion may sound like she is drawing a battle line, but parents control access to their children.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 8, 2021
The new canal is expected to push the battle line west - just how far depends on energy prices, canal tolls, infrastructure investments, economic growth and other variables.
From Reuters ● May 5, 2016
Ad aciemP The zombies responded, pushing through the earthen ghosts to form a battle line.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
