zero in on

1. Aim precisely at a target, as in They zeroed in on the last snipers . [c. 1940]

2. Converge on, close in on, as in The children zeroed in on the electric train display . [Mid-1900s]

3. Direct one's attention to, concentrate or focus on, as in We must zero in on the exact combination of ingredients , or The whole class zeroed in on the new assignment . This usage transfers aiming a firearm to directing one's attention. [Mid-1900s]

Related Words

• address
• design
• direct
• focus
• intend
• mean
• plan
• propose
• target
• try
• want