line of fire

American  

noun

1. the straight horizontal line from the muzzle of a weapon in the direction of the axis of the bore, just prior to firing.

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line of fire British  

noun

1. the flight path of a missile discharged or to be discharged from a firearm

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Etymology

Origin of line of fire

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

line of fire

What makes that weapon so lethal is how it puts goalkeepers back in the line of fire.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 2026

In effect, the core casualties of the 1997–98 Asian financial crisis are back in the line of fire as currency speculators circle.

From Barron's ● May 23, 2026

They needed work, even if they were putting themselves in the line of fire.

From Slate ● Oct. 27, 2025

The high emotion and fury sweeping around the stadium, with Liverpool in the line of fire, was counterproductive as the hosts lacked any composure and measure, for all their domination of territory and possession.

From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2025

The best thing to do was to tuck down, strap up, and keep well out of the line of fire.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson