front line

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

[edit] English

[edit] Alternative spellings

• front-line (in attributive use), frontline

[edit] Noun

front line (plural front lines)

1. (military) A front, or a boundary between opposing positions.
2. A site of a conflict, effort, or controversial matter of any kind.
   • 2004 Dec 20, “Reading problems? It's time to consider phonics”, Chicago Tribune:

     With such results possible on the front line of teaching, the only question remaining is whether much of the education industry will overcome its ....

3. The site of interaction with outsiders, such as customers.
   • 1990, “The performing art of service management.”, Management Review:

     As one front line worker expressed it in a focus group, good managers "have a way about them" that makes them credible to others. ...

4. (euphemism) A low level.
   • 1949 Sep 27, “Field's Holds its Workers in High Respect”, Chicago Tribune:

     Each of us, from top brass down to the front line worker, wishes to feel the satisfaction of doing something worth while and doing it well.