Phrasal verb
zero in on
Meanings
to focus attention on something specific; to concentrate on one main point
to find or identify the exact thing or person you are looking for by narrowing down possibilities
to aim at a target more and more accurately
Definition
To zero in on something means to focus closely on it or aim at it with increasing accuracy.
To zero in on something is to direct your attention or effort toward one specific target. It often suggests narrowing down from many possibilities to the most important one. It can be used for ideas and problems, or for physically aiming at a target more accurately.
Examples
- I zeroed in on the key point after rereading the email.
- You should zero in on the customer’s main complaint before proposing changes.
- She zeroed in on the quietest café after checking a few busy streets.
- They zeroed in on the source of the noise by walking room to room.
- The photographer zeroed in on the child’s expression as the light changed.
Common mistake
Learners often say "zero in to" instead of the correct form "zero in on."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.