firing line

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of firing line¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Ms Ferguson, who lost her duchess title when Andrew gave up his Duke of York title a few weeks ago, had, until recently, sidestepped the firing line of the controversy around Epstein.

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Stewart was also in the media firing line, given the vitriol that has been directed his way by some of the club's own supporters.

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"Prior to that, she had sidestepped the firing line of the controversy around Epstein and I think may have continued to do so, albeit without calling herself Duchess of York, had that not happened."

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Russia’s moves against Ukraine and now Europe make Polish policymakers nervous that they again are in the firing line—and this time Poland wants to be ready.

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One of its experts Graeme Stuart said: "To deliberately put children and schools in the firing line, is indefensible. Frankly, it is appalling."

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