firing line, on the
on the firing line
In a position or situation in which one attracts or is vulnerable to criticism or anger. I'm not going into the boss's office about that right now—I'm not ready to be on the firing line this early in the morning! Because I'm an artist and all of my siblings are doctors, I'm always on the firing line at family functions.
See also: firing, line, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
firing line, on the
In the forefront of any activity or pursuit, especially a controversy. For example, At the sales conference they asked so many questions that Anne felt she was on the firing line . This expression originally meant the line of positions from which gunfire is directed at a target and is still so used in a military context. Today it is also used more loosely. [Late 1800s]
See also: firing, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- be not cut out for something
- be not (oneself)
- address (one's) comments to (someone or something)
- address comments or remarks to
- address (one's) remarks to (someone or something)
- be in it for
- be at a disadvantage
- at a disadvantage
- away from it all
- be out of (one's) head