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3. in the line of fire

in the line of fire

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in the line of fire

in a situation in which you may be severely criticized Maria was willing to place herself in the line of fire and accept the blame if the music festival failed.

Related vocabulary: on the firing line

Etymology: based on the literal military meaning of in the line of fire (in the place where bullets are being shot)

See also: fire, line, of

in the line of fire

likely to be criticized, attacked, or got rid of Lawyers often find themselves in the line of fire.

See also: fire, line, of