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.

---

line of fire British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of line of fire

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

line of fire

But balancing the preservation of a booming industry with protectionist rhetoric puts the sector "very easily in the line of fire," he warned.

From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026

He meant well, he was right there in the line of fire, but he did not make a great impression.

From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2025

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

From Slate ● Oct. 27, 2025

Even when Gazans are out of the line of fire, living conditions are a constant struggle.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2025

He began to trace a line of fire along the arc.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely