firing line
Where bullets originate
The firing line is the front position from which soldiers shoot at an enemy, or the row of people doing the shooting.
The phrase extends to any position of direct exposure to criticism, scrutiny, or attack: As CEO, she's constantly on the firing line.
To be in the firing line is to be vulnerable to blame or consequences.
Gunfire from several angles
- perilSerious threat of harm
- jeopardyRisk of harm
- hazardSource of potential harm
- riskPossibility of harm
threat · target · vulnerable · exposed · precarious · sniper · gunfire · hostile
Close, careful examination
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
judgment · disapproval · flak · backlash · lambasting · grilling · reproach · denunciation
Combat's forward position
- volleySimultaneous firing burst
- barrageSustained, overwhelming attack
- salvoSimultaneous weapons discharge
- infantryGround combat troops
artillery · trenches · engagement · skirmish · flank · tactics · combat · warfare
Concentrated illumination source
- limelightCenter of public notice
- visibilityRange of clear sight
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
- attentionFocused mental awareness
vulnerability · publicity · profile · notoriety · observation · transparency · disclosure · public eye
crossfire
Gunfire from several angles
risk · threat · target · vulnerable · exposed · precarious · sniper · gunfire · hostile · deadly
scrutiny
Close, careful examination
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
reprimand · judgment · disapproval · flak · backlash · lambasting · grilling · reproach · denunciation · castigation
frontline
Combat's forward position
- volleySimultaneous firing burst
- barrageSustained, overwhelming attack
- salvoSimultaneous weapons discharge
infantry · artillery · trenches · engagement · skirmish · flank · tactics · combat · warfare · siege
spotlight
Concentrated illumination source
- limelightCenter of public notice
- visibilityRange of clear sight
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
attention · vulnerability · publicity · profile · notoriety · observation · transparency · disclosure · public eye · center stage
- historical warfaremusket, bayonet, cannon, flintlock, cavalry
- shooting rangesshooting range, gun range, lanes, rifle range, pistol range
- tactical positionsdefensive position, forward position, sniper position, prone position, fallback position
- Artillery Rangesimpact zone, impact areas, target area, range officer, downrange
- executionsexecution, execution chamber, hanging, guillotine, executioner
- formationscircle, triangle, ring, spiral, stack
firing lineout of range
Beyond effective distance
safe zone · target · in the clear · line of fire · shelter
firing linebehind the scenes
Out of public view
under the radar · in the clear · off the hook · in the shadows · obscurity
firing linerear guard
Troops covering a retreat
rear echelon · home front · safe zone · demilitarized zone · support position
line, fire, fired, firing, fires, firearm, fireball, firebrand, linear