line of fire
Where shots travel
The line of fire is the path between a weapon and its target—the trajectory bullets or projectiles travel.
To be in the line of fire is to be in danger of being shot, whether intentionally targeted or caught in crossfire.
Figuratively, it means exposed to criticism, blame, or attack: The spokesman put himself in the line of fire for the CEO.
Large-caliber battlefield weapons
- sniperConcealed precision shooter
- barrageSustained, overwhelming attack
- volleySimultaneous firing burst
- salvoSimultaneous weapons discharge
ambush · flank · infantry · trenches · frontline · assault · mortar · grenade
Source of potential harm
- targetObject of pursuit
- casualtiesThose killed or wounded
- evacuationRemoval from danger
- minefieldExplosive-laden territory
exposed · vulnerable · peril · jeopardy · harm's way · kill zone · hot zone · no man's land
Without safeguard or shield
- defenselessWithout means to resist
- visibilityRange of clear sight
- susceptibilityLiability to influence
- out in the openVisible to everyone
unsheltered · unshielded · undefended · uncovered · easy target · sitting duck · open ground · without cover
artillery
Large-caliber battlefield weapons
- sniperConcealed precision shooter
- barrageSustained, overwhelming attack
- volleySimultaneous firing burst
salvo · ambush · flank · infantry · trenches · frontline · assault · mortar · grenade · bunker
hazard
Source of potential harm
- targetObject of pursuit
- casualtiesThose killed or wounded
- evacuationRemoval from danger
minefield · exposed · vulnerable · peril · jeopardy · harm's way · kill zone · hot zone · no man's land · collateral damage
unprotected
Without safeguard or shield
- defenselessWithout means to resist
- visibilityRange of clear sight
- susceptibilityLiability to influence
out in the open · unsheltered · unshielded · undefended · uncovered · easy target · sitting duck · open ground · without cover
line of firesafety
Freedom from harm
cover · safe · shelter · secure · out of harm's way
line of fireconcealment
Act of hiding something
rear echelon · fortified position · blind spot · bunker · foxhole
line, fire, lines, fiery, fired, outline, firing, lineage, underline