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

Sentiment in Asia was dragged Tuesday, however, by renewed concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on the tech sector, with software firms again in the firing line.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 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

Soon after, the crowd chanted the name of another child - Chaya, a 14-year-old who put herself in the firing line to protect a stranger's children.

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2025

If England do need to take Smith out of the firing line, the only option is to give the gloves to Ollie Pope, but Pope has problems on his own…

From BBC • Dec. 11, 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