crossfire
word
Definition
The situation when bullets are being fired from two or more directions so that people or things in the middle are in danger; also, being caught between two opposing forces, opinions, or arguments.
Usage & Nuances
Originally military, but often used metaphorically for being caught between arguments or pressures. Common with 'caught in the crossfire'. Typically uncountable.
Spanish: fuego cruzadoPortuguese (BR): fogo cruzadoPortuguese (PT): fogo cruzadoChinese (Simplified): 交叉火力 - 夹击（比喻）Chinese (Traditional): 交叉火力 - 夾擊（比喻）Hindi: दोतरफा गोलीबारी - बीच में फँसना (प्रतीकात्मक)Arabic: نيران متبادلة - موقف صعب (مجازي)Bengali: গোলাগুলির মাঝখান - দ্বন্দ্বের মাঝখানRussian: перекрестный огоньJapanese: 銃撃戦の中 - 板挟みVietnamese: làn đạn chéo - cuộc tranh cãi gay gắtKorean: 십자포화 - 갈등의 한가운데Turkish: çapraz ateşUrdu: دو طرفہ فائرنگ – دو مخالف قوتوں کے درمیان پھنس جاناIndonesian: tembakan silang - situasi terhimpit
Example Sentences
The journalists were caught in the crossfire during the battle.
basic
He was injured in the crossfire.
basic
Civilians should avoid the crossfire.
basic
I got stuck in the crossfire between their argument.
natural
Sorry I was late—the meeting turned into a crossfire of complaints.
natural
The new manager walked right into the crossfire of office politics.
natural