battle line

American  

noun

1. the line along which warring troops meet.

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battle line British  

noun

1. the line along which troops are positioned for battle

2. conflict or argument is about to occur between opposing people or groups

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Etymology

Origin of battle line

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

That bull market may still be raging, but within the brokerage industry the battle lines have been drawn.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I said: cut and stop at the battle line. Go home. Stop fighting, stop killing people."

From BBC

"I think the battle lines have been drawn publicly and everyone knows where the unions stand," says sports lawyer Ben Cisneros of Morgan Sports Law.

From BBC

During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.

From BBC

It also says existing "battle lines" would be frozen in place until conditions are met for a staged withdrawal.

From BBC