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

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

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

But since we were so far out of the line of fire, the chief sustenance for any sense of the war was mental.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles