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

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

They could be outside of the firing line in this most recent trade flare-up.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 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

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