zero in on — to focus attention or effort on something specific; to aim at or concentrate on a particular target
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to focus attention or effort on something specific; to aim at or concentrate on a particular target
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈzɪroʊ ɪn ɑːn/
Example Sentences
- The marketing team decided to zero in on millennials for their new campaign.
- My mom can zero in on my messy room from across the house like a heat-seeking missile.
- The company needs to zero in on cost reduction to improve profitability.
zero in on
NOUN[/ˈzɪroʊ ɪn ɑːn/]
to focus attention or effort on something specific; to aim at or concentrate on a particular target
someone zeroing in on a specific target by focusing all attention and effort on that precise goal
The aero hero learns to zero in on the target!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This military expression originated from artillery and firearms terminology, where 'zero' referred to the precise aiming point or sight alignment of a weapon. The phrase extended metaphorically from the literal act of calibrating a weapon's sights to mean 'to aim or focus precisely on a target.'
Breakdown
zero (the precise aiming point of a weapon's sights) + in (inward direction, denoting focus) + on (indicating the target). Together, the phrasal verb conveys the action of directing concentrated attention toward a specific objective.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The marketing team decided to zero in on millennials for their new campaign.”
“My mom can zero in on my messy room from across the house like a heat-seeking missile.”
“The company needs to zero in on cost reduction to improve profitability.”
“My cat can zero in on the sound of a can opener from three rooms away.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.