firing (redirected from firing line)

firing on all cylinders and hitting on all cylinders 

1. Lit. [of an internal combustion engine] having all its cylinders working and thus providing the maximum amount of power. The old car is firing on all cylinders despite its age. This thing's not hitting on all cylinders.

2. Fig. working at full strength; making every possible effort. The team is firing on all cylinders under the new coach. The factory is hitting on all cylinders to finish the orders on time.

See also: cylinder

I'd rather face a firing squad than do something

Fig. I would prefer to stand and be executed by gunfire than to do something. I'd rather face a firing squad than go shopping the day after Christmas.

See also: face, rather

---

be firing on all cylinders

to be operating as powerfully and effectively as possible Dawson will be firing on all cylinders after 2 months of fitness training.

See also: cylinder

be in the firing line  (British, American & Australian) also be on the firing line (American & Australian)

if someone or something is in the firing line, they are likely to be criticized, attacked, or got rid of The judge found himself in the firing line from women's groups after his controversial comments about sexual assault. Recent cuts in council budgets mean that concessionary fares were next on the firing line.

See also: line

---

firing on all cylinders

operating as powerfully and effectively as possible Doctors say Mary will be firing on all cylinders after two months of physical therapy.

Usage notes: based on the literal meaning of a car engine using all of its cylinders (the parts that produce power)

See also: cylinder

on the firing line also in the firing line

in a situation that attracts criticism The judge found himself on the firing line from women for remarks he made about discrimination in the workplace.

Related vocabulary: in the line of fire

See also: line