fire-step

A soldier stands on the fire-step to look over the trench.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A step or ledge in a trench: "fire-step" refers to a narrow platform or ledge built into the front wall of a military trench, upon which soldiers stand to fire their weapons over the parapet.

Usage Examples

• (They used the ledge in the trench for firing.)
• (They were instructed to take their positions on the firing ledge.)

Advanced Usage

• "to stand on the fire-step": to be in a position ready to fire from a trench.

  • He stood on the fire-step for hours, watching for movement. (He remained on the ledge, prepared to shoot.)

• "fire-step trench": a trench specifically designed with such a ledge for defensive or offensive operations.

  • The fire-step trench was reinforced with sandbags. (The trench with the firing ledge was strengthened.)

Variants and Related Words

• Firing-step (n): an alternative spelling of "fire-step," meaning the same thing.

  • The firing-step was slippery from the rain. (The ledge for shooting was wet and dangerous.)

• Parapet (n): the protective wall or bank of earth in front of a trench, often used with the fire-step.

  • He rested his rifle on the parapet while standing on the fire-step. (He used the wall for support while on the firing ledge.)

Synonyms

• Firing ledge: a narrow shelf or step for shooting from a trench.
• Trench step: a step cut into the side of a trench for firing.

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms directly using "fire-step," as it is a specific military term. However, in military contexts, it may appear in phrases like:
  • "Man the fire-step": to take a defensive position ready to shoot.

    • The sergeant shouted, "Man the fire-step, men!" (He ordered the soldiers to get into firing positions.)