firing line

American  

noun

1. Military.

   1. the positions at which troops are stationed to fire upon the enemy or targets.

   2. the troops firing from this line.

2. the forefront of any action or activity, especially a controversy.

---

firing line British  

noun

1. military

   1. the positions from which fire is delivered

   2. the soldiers occupying these positions

2. the leading or most advanced position in an activity

---

Etymology

Origin of firing line

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Northern and western parts of the UK will be in the firing line for more active weather fronts bringing spells of rain.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

But the stark contrast between near-record profits and sharp rate hikes has put the industry in the regulatory firing line.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

A two-day defeat in Perth by eight wickets and another by the same margin at the pink-ball clash in Brisbane left them reeling and in the firing line at home.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

So, anybody who’s making a claim that what they’re working on is accurate is automatically in the firing line.

From Slate • Nov. 17, 2025

And the remedial training is probably why Miss Preston wants to see me, anyway, so it ain't like I'm in any hurry to get to the firing line.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland