firing-line

The soldiers stood in the firing-line during the drill.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The front line of a military position where soldiers are positioned to shoot at the enemy: "firing-line" refers to the foremost troops in combat, those directly engaging the enemy with firearms.
   • A position of direct involvement or exposure to risk or criticism: In a figurative sense, "firing-line" means a situation where someone is under attack, scrutiny, or intense pressure.

Usage Examples

• Literal:

  • The soldiers advanced to the firing-line under heavy artillery fire. (They moved to the front position where they could shoot at the enemy.)
  • He spent months on the firing-line during the war. (He served in the most dangerous combat zone.)

• Figurative:

  • As the company's spokesperson, she found herself on the firing-line during the press conference. (She was in a position of direct criticism or attack.)
  • Teachers are often on the firing-line when new education policies are implemented. (They are the ones directly affected and criticized.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be on the firing-line": to be in a position of direct involvement or risk.

  • The CEO put himself on the firing-line by answering all questions from angry shareholders. (He exposed himself to direct criticism.)

• "to step into the firing-line": to voluntarily enter a dangerous or controversial situation.

  • The young lawyer stepped into the firing-line by defending the unpopular client. (He willingly took on a risky role.)

Variants and Related Words

• Firing (n): the act of shooting a gun or weapon.

  • The firing continued throughout the night. (The shooting did not stop.)

• Line (n): a row or arrangement of people or things; also, a boundary or position.

  • The line of soldiers waited for the order. (The row of soldiers.)

Synonyms

• Front line: the foremost military position.
• Battle line: the line where combat occurs.
• Hot seat: a position of intense scrutiny or pressure (figurative).

Related Idioms

• In the line of fire: directly exposed to danger, criticism, or attack.

  • The politician was in the line of fire during the debate. (He was the target of criticism.)

• On the front line: actively involved in a difficult or dangerous situation.

  • Nurses are on the front line of the pandemic. (They are directly dealing with the crisis.)