Be in the firing line
verb phrase
To be likely to be criticized or attacked.
The new policies put the government in the firing line of public opinion.
Often appears as...
- put in the firing line
- come under the firing line
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To be in a position where you are likely to be harmed or criticized.
As the project leader, John was in the firing line when things went wrong.
Often appears as...
- stand in the firing line
- fall in the firing line
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To be likely to be criticized or attacked.
The new policies put the government in the firing line of public opinion.
Often appears as...
- put in the firing line
- come under the firing line
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To be in a position where you are likely to be harmed or criticized.
As the project leader, John was in the firing line when things went wrong.
Often appears as...
- stand in the firing line
- fall in the firing line
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Attracting Blame
This phrase often suggests that someone is about to receive blame, whether or not it's deserved.
Despite the team’s effort, the coach was in the firing line for the loss.
Pro Tip 2/3Facing Consequences
It implies facing the consequences that come from being in a vulnerable or responsible position.
After the scandal, the CEO found himself in the firing line.
Pro Tip 3/3Potential Conflict
The phrase can indicate a situation where conflict or opposition is likely to occur.
Advocating for this issue may put you in the firing line of strong critics.
Pro Tip 1/3Attracting Blame
This phrase often suggests that someone is about to receive blame, whether or not it's deserved.
Despite the team’s effort, the coach was in the firing line for the loss.
Pro Tip 2/3Facing Consequences
It implies facing the consequences that come from being in a vulnerable or responsible position.
After the scandal, the CEO found himself in the firing line.
Pro Tip 3/3Potential Conflict
The phrase can indicate a situation where conflict or opposition is likely to occur.
Advocating for this issue may put you in the firing line of strong critics.
Pro Tip 1/3Attracting Blame
This phrase often suggests that someone is about to receive blame, whether or not it's deserved.
Despite the team’s effort, the coach was in the firing line for the loss.
Pro Tip 2/3Facing Consequences
It implies facing the consequences that come from being in a vulnerable or responsible position.
After the scandal, the CEO found himself in the firing line.
Pro Tip 3/3Potential Conflict
The phrase can indicate a situation where conflict or opposition is likely to occur.
Advocating for this issue may put you in the firing line of strong critics.
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