firing (redirected from firings)

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: all, cylinder

be in the firing line (British, American & Australian, 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

out of the firing line

be in the firing line - if someone or something is in the firing line, they are likely to be criticized, attacked, or got rid of. As the president's wife, there was little hope of her staying out of the firing line during the election campaign.

See also: line

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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: all, cylinder

on 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.

in the line of fire

See also: line