zero in on
Idioms-
Aim precisely at a target, as in They zeroed in on the last snipers . [c. 1940]
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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]
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Converge on, close in on, as in The children zeroed in on the electric train display . [Mid-1900s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They noted they would zero in on demand for new products, as Nike tries to sell more running gear and women’s clothing and get more sales out of its collaboration with Kim Kardashian’s Skims brand.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 29, 2026
Two things persuaded Haagy to shelve his own plant research and zero in on the mystery of sky-darkening smog.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026
"There's a wonderful relationship between the mother and daughter, and we really tried to zero in on the emotional horror, like to really make you feel it," Williamson said.
From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026
Then zero in on trip-cancellation and trip-interruption coverage.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025
I zero in on the redhead I saw earlier and head straight to her.
From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
