Firing Line

Pronunciation: /ˈfaɪərɪŋ laɪn/

Definitions of firing line

noun a position of defense or criticism

Example Sentences

A1 Soldiers stood in the firing line during the battle.

A2 The new recruits were nervous about being in the firing line for the first time.

B1 The CEO was in the firing line for the company's poor financial performance.

B2 The politician found herself in the firing line after making controversial comments.

C1 The journalist bravely put herself in the firing line to uncover corruption within the government.

C2 The athlete knew that being in the firing line of media scrutiny was part of being a professional sports star.

Examples of firing line in a Sentence

formal The soldiers stood in formation on the firing line, ready to receive their orders.

informal I heard that John got promoted to the firing line, so he must be doing something right.

slang I can't believe I have to go back to the firing line for another shift today.

figurative As a politician, you have to be prepared to step into the firing line and face criticism from the public.

Grammatical Forms of firing line

• past tense: fired
• plural: firing lines
• comparative: more firing line
• superlative: most firing line
• present tense: fire
• future tense: will fire
• perfect tense: have fired
• continuous tense: is firing
• singular: firing line
• positive degree: firing line
• infinitive: to fire
• gerund: firing
• participle: fired

Origin and Evolution of firing line

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'firing line' originated in military contexts to describe the line of soldiers who are ready to shoot their weapons at a target or enemy.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'firing line' has expanded beyond military use to also refer to a figurative line or boundary where a person or group takes a stand or faces opposition.