Meaning
Trapped in a conflict not your own, hit by stray shots.
Origin
From 20th-century warfare, tied to WWI; 'crossfire' meant intersecting bullets, slang by 1920s for caught. A 1924 'Times' uses it for a civilian hit.
Variants
- In the crossfire
Usage Examples
- I got caught in the crossfire of their divorce spat.
- She was caught in the crossfire of the debate.
- Caught in the crossfire, he ducked the blame.