direct line of fire

USAGE SUMMARY

'direct line of fire' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a situation where someone is in a position where they can be targeted or attacked without anything getting in the way. For example, "The opponent's troops had us in a direct line of fire, so we knew we had to act fast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Even Mr. Capellas, who is rarely in the direct line of fire, has been taken aback.

The New York Times

At the moment, that makes little difference to those who are in the direct line of fire.

The New York Times

So what about women like Hannah Johnson, and those who lived in the direct line of fire in the South?

The New York Times

Germany and Russia, which supported France, seem to have dropped out of the administration's direct line of fire.

The Economist

Life in Gilo is conducted these days behind rows of concrete barriers stretched along streets that are in a direct line of fire from Beit Jala.

The New York Times

Government forces hold an old Turkish fortress on the hill just above here and have a direct line of fire into this district, known as Drenovec.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Though the sprawling institution has underpinned Egypt's state since officers seized power in 1952, taking direct charge between the revolution of 2011 that ousted Hosni Mubarak and Mr Morsi's election in mid-2012, many generals have been wary of exposing their supreme commander to the direct line of political fire.But in March Mr Sisi shuffled the military's 25-member ruling council.

The Economist

Direct line-of-sight.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

This means not on a stove, not near a fire, not in an over-heated room, in direct line of the sun, outside on a warm day, in a car with the heat on, in the oven, etc.

WikiHow

Much to French disbelief, the Viet Minh had employed direct artillery fire, in which each gun crew does its own artillery spotting (as opposed to indirect fire, in which guns are massed farther away from the target, out of direct line of sight, and rely on a forward artillery spotter).

Wikipedia

I feel there is a direct line of transmission.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "direct line of fire" to vividly describe a situation of immediate vulnerability or risk. The phrase is particularly effective when conveying a sense of urgency or danger.

Common error

Avoid using "direct line of fire" when the threat is indirect or diffused. This phrase implies a clear and immediate threat, not a general sense of unease or potential future harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "direct line of fire" functions as a metaphorical expression, primarily serving as an idiom to describe a situation where someone or something is in a position of immediate vulnerability or exposure to danger or criticism. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "direct line of fire" serves as a potent idiom, denoting a state of immediate vulnerability whether literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English. Its function is to underscore the intensity of exposure to danger or criticism, and while most commonly found in neutral registers like news reports, its usage extends to various informal scenarios as well. Alternatives like "in harm's way" or "in the firing line" offer nuanced variations, emphasizing different aspects of risk and threat. While typically accurate, it's crucial to avoid using the phrase when the threat is indirect or vague. The phrase sees higher probability in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the firing line

Similar to the original phrase, but with a slightly more literal connotation of being targeted.

in the crosshairs

Suggests being a primary target, often in a competitive or adversarial situation.

in harm's way

Emphasizes the potential for physical danger or injury.

on the front lines

Suggests being at the forefront of a conflict or challenging situation.

under attack

Highlights the active nature of the threat or criticism.

exposed to danger

Focuses on the lack of protection from potential threats.

vulnerable to criticism

Specifically relates to being open to negative feedback or scrutiny.

under scrutiny

Implies close and critical observation.

at risk

Indicates the presence of potential negative consequences.

in a precarious position

Highlights the instability and potential for adverse outcomes.

FAQs

What does "direct line of fire" mean?

The phrase "direct line of fire" typically refers to being in a position of immediate vulnerability or exposure to attack, whether literal or metaphorical. It suggests a clear and unobstructed path for potential harm.

How can I use "direct line of fire" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company was in the "direct line of fire" after the scandal broke", or "Civilians were caught in the "direct line of fire" during the conflict."

What are some alternatives to "direct line of fire"?

You can use alternatives like "in harm's way", "under attack", or "in the firing line" depending on the context.

Is "in the firing line" the same as "direct line of fire"?

While very similar, "in the firing line" can sometimes imply a more active or deliberate targeting, whereas "direct line of fire" simply indicates a position of vulnerability, targeted or not.