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

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

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

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

The best thing to do was to tuck down, strap up, and keep well out of the line of fire.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson