be in the firing line

To be a likely target of anger, criticism, or judgment. You will be in the firing line if you keep coming into work late. Because I'm an artist and all of my siblings are doctors, I'm always in the firing line at family functions. Because call center workers are in the firing line, they bear the brunt of customer unhappiness.

be in the ˈfiring line

(British English) (American English be on the ˈfiring line) be in a position where you are likely to be affected, attacked, criticized, etc: The newspapers are criticizing the government’s policy again, and the Prime Minister is in the firing line. ♢ In the latest round of spending cuts, teachers’ jobs are again in the firing line.