hone in

[ hohn in ]

verb phrase

1. to focus one’s attention more narrowly or precisely on a particular task, issue, etc. (usually followed by on ):

   When we started looking for a condo, our agent took time with us to hone in on what we really wanted and needed.

   They run a workshop to help you hone in and understand the parts of the software that are most relevant for you.

2. to find, reach, or strike a target in a precise way, as with a camera, weapon, location device, or other instrument (usually followed by on ):

   They’re working to improve cameras that can hone in on a single object or pick a person out of a crowd.

Usage Note

Although increasingly common even in educated speech and writing, the expression hone in is in fact a corruption of home in. Home in was used originally of weapons moving toward their target (or “home”) under the control of an automatic aiming mechanism, and became a metaphor for focusing one’s attention on an objective. The similarity in sound between home and hone , and the fact that the basic meaning of the verb hone is “to sharpen,” explain why people use hone in when they’re thinking about “sharpening” their focus or aim. Style guides criticize this use, however, and careful speakers and writers will avoid it.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hone in¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Not only must successful blood-suckers be able to find a compatible vertebrate, they need to have evolved senses that let them hone in on their targets.

From Salon

I really hone in on calling it a living and breathing evolution because it started as a music blog.

From Los Angeles Times

"If we just look at the ocean and just hone in on Great Barrier Reef - which is a World Heritage area - it has seen unprecedented coral bleaching events in last five years. That's devastating when you look at biodiversity and the role the Great Barrier Reef has in combating climate change."

From BBC

Will Smith’s statistical regression has illustrated his struggles to hone in on his best swing — one the Dodgers are hoping has started to reappear in recent weeks.

From Los Angeles Times

Will Smith’s statistical regression has illustrated his struggles to hone in on his best swing — one the Dodgers are hoping has started to reappear in recent weeks.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apply oneself to
• attend (to)
• concentrate
• engage
• fixate
• pay attention to
• pore over