PhrasesHub

Zero in on

    Definitions

      • Focus on or aim at something or someone
        To direct one's attention, energy, or actions towards a specific target or objective

      • Determine or identify something with precision
        To pinpoint or discover something accurately and exactly, often through careful analysis or investigation

    Examples of Zero in on

    • The detective zeroed in on the suspect's alibi during the interrogation.

      The detective focused all of his attention and efforts on the suspect's alibi during the interrogation, as if he were using a magnifying glass to narrow in on a specific target.

    • The hawk zeroed in on its prey with deadly accuracy.

      The hawk focused all of its senses and abilities on catching its prey, as if it were using a powerful weapon to lock onto its target with deadly precision.

    • The athlete zeroed in on her goal, determined to break the record.

      The athlete focused all of her energy and efforts on achieving her goal, as if she were using a high-powered scope to lock onto her target and hit it with precision.

    • The police officer zeroed in on the suspect's car as it sped away from the scene.

      The police officer focused all of his attention and efforts on pursuing the suspect's car, as if he were using a powerful lens to narrow in on his target and catch it in his sights.

    • The artist zeroed in on the details of the painting, working tirelessly to achieve the perfect result.

      The artist focused all of his attention and efforts on the intricate details of the painting, as if he were using a microscope to examine every aspect of the work and perfect it to the finest detail.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "zero in on" is used to convey the idea of narrowing one's attention or efforts towards a specific target or goal. It can also refer to the act of precisely identifying or determining something.

    In the first meaning, "zero in on" is often used to express the act of focusing or honing in on a particular task, idea, or person. It implies a sense of intensity and determination in one's approach, as if aiming a laser or targeting scope towards a specific point.

    The second meaning of "zero in on" emphasizes the idea of precision and accuracy. It is often used in situations where one needs to identify or locate something with great detail or specificity, such as in solving a problem or finding the root cause of an issue.

    Origin of "Zero in on"

    The origin of the idiom "zero in on" can be traced back to the use of "zero" as a verb in the 1930s. At that time, it meant "to adjust or align a gun or device to a specific target." This usage eventually evolved into the current expression, which first appeared in print in the 1940s.

    The idiom is often associated with military terminology, as it was commonly used during World War II to describe the act of aiming or targeting enemy planes or ships. However, it has since become a common phrase in everyday language, used in various contexts beyond the military.

    Some theories suggest that the "zero" in the idiom may refer to the concept of reducing something to nothing, as in narrowing down a large area to a specific point. Others believe it may stem from the idea of "zeroing in" on a target in a game or sport, such as archery or darts.

    Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom "zero in on" remains a popular and versatile expression used to convey the act of focusing or honing in on something with precision and determination.