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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of firing line

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

When he departed in September, it was welcomed by the majority but left Frank more in the firing line - and with a shield removed.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 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

There was no reserve opener or keeper to take either Ben Duckett or Jamie Smith out of the firing line.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

Poland has been in the firing line since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and has taken in more than a million Ukrainian refugees who fled the fighting.

From Barron's • Dec. 18, 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