firing line
1
5.8
- noun
- /ˈfaɪərɪŋ laɪn/
:
línea de tiro
- During training exercises, cadets learned to maintain discipline while standing on the firing line.
- men on the firing line
Examples
-
Coldwater stepped up to the firing line, shoved a clip into his own rifle, and emptied it quickly.
Fiction book (1994) -
The soldiers took their positions on the firing line and prepared to engage the enemy.
-
All right, men, form a firing line.
-
Form a firing line right here!
-
Form a firing line here!
-
The men came away from the firing line exclaiming and shaking their heads in wonder.
Fiction book (1992) -
For those in the firing line, it can be a disconcerting, disorienting experience, particularly given the deeply personal nature of some of the comments made.
Blog text (22) -
Caudell and his companions on the firing line raised a tired cheer to see them go.
Fiction book (1992) -
She said Fleury was taking $5 from patrons at the gate and wasn't supervising the firing line or picking out weapons for children.
Blog text (22) -
Before the battle commenced, the commander ordered his troops to stand ready at the firing line.
Synonyms
725
8.1
A defended position where soldiers stand during fighting
83
4.1
The area where enemy armies meet and fight
1
8.1
A row of soldiers or ships arranged to fight the enemy
1
5.0
A line where opposing armies stand and fight
How Fortified
144
4.6
9
6.6
- Specialized
- Specialized
2
8.3
1
5.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is motivated by a military image (a 'line' where 'firing' occurs), so learners who know the constituents can infer a sense of being in a dangerous or targeted position; however the specific extension to being the focus of criticism or pressure is metaphorical and not fully predictable from the literal meanings. This motivated-but-metaphorical mapping is therefore partially clear but requires prior exposure for the precise social meaning.
Etymology
Firing line comes from battlefields where a row of soldiers or guns stood ready to shoot. The soldiers were in a line and were firing at the enemy, so the phrase means the place from which people fired their weapons.