firing lines
Where marksmen stand
A firing line is where soldiers position themselves to shoot at a target or enemy.
Execution by firing squad happens at a firing line.
The phrase extends to any position of direct exposure to criticism or attack: As press secretary, she's constantly on the firing line.
To be in the firing line is to face scrutiny or blame.
- soldiersMilitary personnel who fight
- battlefieldCombat engagement area
- combat zoneActive military conflict area
- aimPurpose or direction
- frontlineCombat's forward position
combat · smoke · artillery · rifle · blast · court-martial · barrel · volleys · warning shots · trench · crack · charge · powder · shell · execution · bullet · live ammunition · warfare
firing linestarget area
Designated impact location
impact zone · kill zone · downrange · enemy positions · target zone
firing linesrear echelon
Non-combat support zone
safe zone · cover · shelter · sanctuary · home front
firing, line, fire, fires, fired, lines, lined, lining, liner