line of fire

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

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of line of fire¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

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

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"Civilians were able to get out of the line of fire, maximum Hamas terrorists dead, that is what we want to achieve in Gaza City."

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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.

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"My hometown is on the line of fire. If active fighting stops, would I be able to return?" she said.

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Prayers for the dead have become a regular ritual in al-Mabrouka, a neighbourhood in the western al-Thawra district of Omdurman that is in the line of fire between the army and the RSF.

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