crossfire
or cross fire
[kraws-fahyer, kros‐]
- lines of gunfire from two or more positions or combatants crossing one another, or a single one of such lines.
- a brisk exchange of words or opinions.
- a situation involving conflicting claims, forces, etc.
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Origin of crossfire
First recorded in 1855–60
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for crossfire
Contemporary Examples
But no more so than the Sodexo building maintenance man or the two cops who were also killed in the crossfire.
A street sweeper was caught in the crossfire as a gunman fired at the officer, fatally wounding her in the back.
These things also happen to people who you know are helpless, like random people caught in the crossfire.
Many more lives, often of civilians stuck in the crossfire, will be lost.
And when you are in public office, expect to get caught in the crossfire, especially if there are RICO statutes.
Historical Examples
He also had a crossfire, that he used at times with telling effect.
Baseball Joe, Home Run KingLester Chadwick
The wood rang with the crossfire of the foes who could not see each other.
French and EnglishEvelyn Everett-Green
But he knew vaguely that he'd been caught in a crossfire between the cautious Purcell and the bold, arrogant Glaudot.
A World Called CrimsonDarius John Granger
They were overeager to contact the fighters and one of them caught a crossfire as he roared in.
A Yankee Flier with the R.A.F.Rutherford G. Montgomery
The wounded are lying in heaps, and the crossfire of the Indians, now centering from all points, threatens utter extermination.
The Land of the MiamisElmore Barce
crossfire
- military converging fire from one or more positions
- a lively exchange of ideas, opinions, etc
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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