immediate line of fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immediate line of fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing danger or risk, particularly in military or safety-related situations. Example: "The soldiers were positioned in the immediate line of fire during the operation, making it crucial for them to take cover."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Even though she signed her lease earlier and is out of the immediate line of fire, Ms. Skoch said she worried about the "Big Brother" vibe that the changes could facilitate, because Related will mostly rely on neighbors to report on neighbors.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The WHO calls mosquito control "the most immediate line of defence".

The Guardian

The earlier version referred to "firing line" where "line of fire" was meant.

The Guardian

They were soon out of the line of fire.

The New Yorker

He added, "Ang puts himself in the line of fire".

The New York Times

"We are directly in the line of fire," he said.

The New Yorker

He stays out of the line of fire.

The Guardian - Opinion

The body in the line of fire was the Scottish Arts Council.

The Guardian - Books

"We were in the line of fire," Mr. Johansen said.

The New York Times

It's in the line of fire," said another fire official.

Los Angeles Times

Birth control rights are increasingly in the line of fire.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "immediate line of fire" when emphasizing the directness and imminence of a threat, particularly in scenarios involving physical danger or conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "immediate line of fire" in contexts where the danger is not direct or imminent; more general terms like "at risk" or "in danger" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediate line of fire" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as an adverbial or prepositional complement. It describes a state or position of being directly exposed to danger. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in describing both literal and figurative threats.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "immediate line of fire" effectively conveys direct and imminent danger. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, particularly in contexts related to military, safety, or conflict scenarios. Although its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase is found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When writing, ensure that the phrase is used in situations where the threat is both direct and immediate to avoid misapplication. Alternative phrases like "direct line of fire" or "in harm's way" can be used to express similar concepts with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Direct line of fire

Focuses on the directness of the threat but may not emphasize the imminence as strongly.

Front line of danger

Highlights the foremost position facing a threat, specifying danger.

Firing line

Emphasizes the act of shooting, lacking the nuance of being in danger more generally.

Under direct threat

Highlights the condition of being exposed to an imminent danger.

In harm's way

A more general idiom for being in a dangerous situation.

Hot zone

Indicates an area of high activity or danger.

At risk

Highlights the presence of danger, lacking the immediacy conveyed by the original phrase.

In the danger zone

Emphasizes the area as dangerous, potentially lacking the directness of threat.

Zone of conflict

Refers to an area characterized by active hostility.

In a precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and potential danger of a scenario.

FAQs

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

You can use "immediate line of fire" to describe a situation where someone or something is directly exposed to danger, such as "The troops were positioned in the "direct line of fire" during the battle".

What's a good alternative to "immediate line of fire"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "in harm's way" or "at risk" if you want to convey a similar meaning without emphasizing the directness of the threat.

Which is more appropriate, "immediate line of fire" or "firing line"?

Use "immediate line of fire" when you want to convey the sense of being directly exposed to danger. "Firing line" specifically refers to a position where someone is shooting or is about to be shot at.

What's the difference between "immediate line of fire" and "danger zone"?

"Immediate line of fire" implies direct and imminent risk, while "danger zone" refers to an area generally known for being dangerous, without necessarily implying direct or immediate threat to someone.