firing line: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, journalistic, military
Quick answer
What does “firing line” mean?
The literal line or position from which soldiers fire their weapons at an enemy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The literal line or position from which soldiers fire their weapons at an enemy.
A situation where someone is subject to direct criticism, questioning, or scrutiny, often of a hostile nature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in UK political/journalistic discourse.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties: vulnerability, direct confrontation, accountability.
Frequency
Low-frequency compound noun in both; slightly higher in UK press.
Grammar
How to Use “firing line” in a Sentence
[be/stand] in the firing line[put/place] [NP] in the firing line[NP] find [NP] in the firing lineVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
CEOs often find themselves in the firing line when quarterly results disappoint shareholders.
Academic
The controversial theory placed its proponent squarely in the academic firing line.
Everyday
As the team's captain, he was in the firing line after the embarrassing defeat.
Technical
In military simulations, identifying the enemy's firing line is a critical tactical objective.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “firing line”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “firing line”
- Using 'on the firing line' (incorrect preposition; standard is 'in').
- Confusing 'firing line' with 'firing squad' (which implies execution).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Predominantly yes. It implies hostile criticism, blame, or intense scrutiny. It is rarely, if ever, used for positive attention.
It is possible but very rare (e.g., 'the firing line at a shooting range'). Over 99% of modern usage is the metaphorical idiom.
The standard preposition is 'in', as in 'in the firing line'. 'On the firing line' is considered non-standard.
They are close synonyms. 'Hot seat' often implies formal interrogation or intense grilling (e.g., in a hearing), while 'firing line' can also describe being targeted by broader public or media criticism.
The literal line or position from which soldiers fire their weapons at an enemy.
Firing line is usually formal, journalistic, military in register.
Firing line: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfaɪə.rɪŋ ˌlaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfaɪr.ɪŋ ˌlaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in the firing line”
- “put/place someone in the firing line”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LINE of people FIRING difficult questions at you. You are IN that line of fire.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS WEAPONS FIRE / A CONTROVERSIAL SITUATION IS A BATTLEFIELD
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is someone most likely 'in the firing line'?