in the face of the enemy; before the enemy
Used in military or dramatic contexts to describe a situation directly confronting the enemy, often with a sense of danger or challenge.
Retreating in the face of the enemy is not permitted.
He fought bravely before the enemy.
desertion in the face of the enemy; deserting under enemy fire
Compound of 敵 (てき, 'enemy') and 前 (ぜん, 'front, before'). The reading ぜん is the standard on'yomi for 前 in this position.