crossfire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crossfire" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where two opposing sides are firing at each other, often used metaphorically to indicate being caught in a conflict or dispute between two parties. Example: "During the debate, she found herself in the crossfire of opposing opinions, struggling to maintain her stance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a little crossfire.

The Guardian - Opinion

The film opens with a shoot-out in a favela involving crossfire between drug dealers, hapless police and the black-clad men of BOPE, with their skull insignias and automatic rifles.

The Economist

Since September 2012 she has been caught up in partisan crossfire, accused by Republicans of misleading the American public by delivering a false account of deadly attacks on American missions in the Libyan city of Benghazi.

The Economist

As Al Sunseri, the co-owner, complains: "It seems as though BP is going to come up with any excuse, any reason to not come up with what we've lost".And a sign outside the Lafourche Parish headquarters of Collins Oyster Company sums up the industry's feeling of being caught in the crossfire.

The Economist

Thousands of civilians have been killed or severely wounded in furious crossfire.

The Economist

One thing is certain, said the newspaper on November 16th: "if Australia uses its military bases to help the U.S. harm Chinese interests, then Australia itself will be caught in the crossfire".But China's relatively avuncular premier Wen Jiabao has snorkelled this reef before.

The Economist

Sometimes lost in the crossfire was the point that the experience of a small, open economy may not readily transfer to larger, more closed ones.

The Economist

And there are no reliable figures for civilian casualties, though hundreds are reported to have been killed or injured in crossfire.

The Economist

Ordinary Kurds risk being caught in the crossfire.

The Economist

From his hospital bed, an 80-year-old sheikh who was caught in the crossfire wobbles his fist in fury.

The Economist

Although the MPC is independent, it does not want to get caught in electioneering crossfire.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where individuals are unintentionally harmed by the actions of others, use "crossfire" to emphasize their innocent involvement. For example: "The company's employees were caught in the "crossfire" of the merger, facing job losses and uncertainty."

Common error

Avoid using "crossfire" to describe a simple disagreement or debate where there is no genuine harm or serious consequences involved. "Crossfire" implies a dangerous or detrimental situation, so reserve it for more significant conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crossfire" primarily functions as a noun, often describing a situation involving literal or metaphorical conflict where individuals are caught between opposing forces. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, as evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crossfire" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe situations where individuals or entities are caught between opposing forces, facing potential harm or unintended consequences. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical status is correct, and it is frequently found in news and media contexts. When using "crossfire", ensure it accurately reflects the sense of danger and vulnerability. Avoid overusing it in situations that merely involve simple disagreement. Alternatives such as "line of fire" or "caught in the middle" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caught in the middle

Highlights the state of being involved in a dispute between others, often unwillingly.

between two fires

Indicates a situation where one is pressured by two opposing forces.

line of fire

Focuses on the direction of danger and potential harm.

under attack from all sides

Emphasizes the feeling of being targeted by multiple adversaries simultaneously.

heated exchange

Emphasizes the intensity and emotional nature of a verbal conflict.

scene of conflict

Emphasizes the physical location where conflict is happening.

contentious debate

Highlights the disagreement and disputatious nature of the discussion.

verbal sparring

Suggests a more controlled and less dangerous form of conflict.

battle of wills

Emphasizes the determination and stubbornness of the conflicting parties.

in the line of duty

Focuses on fulfilling required tasks/actions despite risks.

FAQs

How is "crossfire" typically used in a sentence?

"Crossfire" is typically used to describe a situation where individuals are caught between opposing sides in a conflict or dispute. For example: "Civilians were killed in the "crossfire" during the battle."

What are some alternatives to the word "crossfire"?

Alternatives to "crossfire" include "line of fire", "caught in the middle", or "under attack from all sides", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "crossfire" in a non-literal sense?

Yes, "crossfire" can be used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is facing conflicting pressures or opinions. For instance: "The CEO was in the "crossfire" of the board's conflicting strategies."

What's the difference between "crossfire" and "skirmish"?

"Crossfire" refers to the situation of being caught between opposing lines of fire, while "skirmish" typically describes a brief, unplanned fight or confrontation.