draw a bead on

1. Take careful aim, as in The debater drew a bead on his opponent. This term, dating from about 1830, alludes to the bead on a revolver or rifle, that is, a small knob in the foresight. [c. 1930]

Example Sentences

It’s still hard to draw a bead on this team.

From Los Angeles Times

Difficult to draw a bead on the Buccaneers.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, House Republicans are drawing a bead on D.C. governance itself.

From Washington Post

Just 11 hours after they left the moon, they fired Columbia’s engine for two-and-a-half minutes and drew a bead on the planet earth.

From Seattle Times

The storm was a Category 4 hurricane, the second-strongest type, and it was drawing a bead on the Carolina coast.

From Los Angeles Times