line of fire

USAGE SUMMARY

"line of fire" is a perfectly valid phrase for use in written English.
It is often used to indicate a dangerous situation or a situation in which someone is facing criticism or attack. For example: "The CEO held a press conference yesterday and walked into a line of fire as reporters asked him hostile questions about the company's recent actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

They were soon out of the line of fire.

The New Yorker

In his 2006 memoir,"In the Line of Fire, Mr.

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

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

The New York Times

Brazil's entire political class is in the line of fire.

The Guardian

Hamas told civilians to ignore our warnings & remain in the line of fire".

Independent

Time and again he put himself in the line of fire and came away with history.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, King Mohammed is not far from the line of fire.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The reenactments of the scene, including the line-of-fire advantages of shooting from above.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "line of fire" to describe both literal and figurative dangerous situations. For instance, a soldier in combat or a politician facing public backlash can be said to be in the "line of fire".

Common error

Avoid using "line of fire" interchangeably with phrases like "baptism of fire", which refers to an initial, often overwhelming, experience. "Line of fire" denotes a continuous state of danger or exposure, while "baptism of fire" describes a singular event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line of fire" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial of place or circumstance. Ludwig AI indicates its use to describe being in a position of danger, either literally from weapons fire or figuratively from criticism or scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "line of fire" is a common noun phrase used to describe a position of danger or vulnerability, whether literal or figurative. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While often used to denote physical danger, it also applies to situations of intense scrutiny or criticism. When using this phrase, consider whether alternatives like "firing line" or "in harm's way" might be more appropriate, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firing line

Similar in meaning but can also refer specifically to a military execution, adding a harsher connotation.

in the crosshairs

Implies being the target of focused attention or animosity.

in harm's way

Emphasizes the potential for physical danger or injury.

on the front lines

Suggests being in a position of direct confrontation or engagement.

under attack

Highlights the experience of being targeted, either physically or verbally.

in the hot seat

Focuses on a situation of being under intense questioning or scrutiny.

in a vulnerable position

Indicates a state of weakness or susceptibility to harm.

facing criticism

Specifically refers to being subjected to negative feedback or disapproval.

under pressure

Highlights the experience of stress and demands.

at risk

General term indicating potential danger or negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "line of fire" to describe someone in a dangerous or precarious position. For example, "The negotiator put himself in the "line of fire" to secure the release of the hostages".

What is the difference between "line of fire" and "firing line"?

"Line of fire" generally refers to a zone of potential danger, whereas "firing line" is a specific military term referring to the position from which soldiers fire weapons.

What can I say instead of "line of fire"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "line of fire" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "line of fire" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports and analytical pieces, as demonstrated by its frequent use in sources like the New York Times and The Guardian.