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

They later told their neighbors privately, through diplomatic channels, that they would be in the first line of fire if fighting resumed, Arab officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

Likewise alternative asset managers were also in the line of fire to start the week, given concerns about their potential exposure to software companies through private-credit funds.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

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

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2025

If they simply don't want to be in the line of fire, it's a sad comment on the military ethos for which they claim to be speaking.

From Salon • Oct. 23, 2024

Like smoke from an unseen fire, a line of fire just below the horizon, brushfire or a burning city.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood