battle line
Americannoun
noun
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the line along which troops are positioned for battle
-
conflict or argument is about to occur between opposing people or groups
Etymology
Origin of battle line
First recorded in 1805–15
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"This is coming like a tsunami and we are the first people on the battle line," said Sherry Brown, a background actor.
From Barron's ● Feb. 17, 2026
The orcas, having identified their target, form a battle line and start charging toward the floe.
From National Geographic ● Sep. 13, 2023
Franny Drumm yelled from the front of the battle line.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 3, 2022
Still he made the garden his battle line.
From New York Times ● May 18, 2018
The trees stood shoulder to shoulder, like men in a battle line, all cloaked in white.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
