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

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

Iranian ships are clustering near their country’s coastline while others are positioning themselves south of the strait, well out of the line of fire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

This year, “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” will up the stakes, putting Weaving’s fierce fiancée Grace back in the line of fire.

From Salon • Jan. 4, 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

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