zero in on

Idioms  

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

2. 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]

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

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Example Sentences

While many in the industry zero in on turning a profit, Zelos is taking advantage of Alibaba’s artificial-intelligence capacity and logistics network to leapfrog its technology.

From The Wall Street Journal

While Martin reigned supreme on the top charts — and as his hypnotic music video circulated across the popular MTV channel — the mainstream media would zero in on more than his music.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps the loudest: lobbyists and salespeople who have used open seating to zero in on a prospective client or lawmaker and plop down next to them for an in-flight pitch.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We’re in a period where we zero in on what's essential. You can feel it in the shows," added Astrid Faguer, fashion journalist at Les Echos newspaper.

From Barron's

My eyes zero in on a red door, its frame one of the few surviving remnants of a home.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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