zero in

To give your full attention to one particular thing.

• Let us zero in on the main task.
• She zeroed in on the final paragraph.
• The report zeros in on problems facing young families.

How to use it: zero in on something (The discussion zeroed in on the cost of housing.)

Similar words: focus on, concentrate on

Common phrases: zero in on something, zero in on details

To make a search more specific until you find the likely answer, cause, or location.

• We zeroed in on the cause.
• The search team is zeroing in on the missing boat.
• Have you zeroed in on the source of the noise?

How to use it: zero in on someone/something (Investigators zeroed in on the source of the leak.)

Similar words: pinpoint, locate

Common phrases: zero in on something, zero in on causes

To aim more precisely at a particular target or center a view on it.

• The camera zeroed in on the nest.
• The gunner zeroed in on the target.
• Can you zero in on that distant boat?

How to use it: zero in on someone/something (The camera zeroed in on the bird.)

Similar words: take aim, focus

Common phrases: zero in on something, zero in on targets

To move toward the same person, place, or thing as others.

• The shoppers zeroed in on the sale rack.
• Guests quickly zeroed in on the food table.
• Fans were zeroing in on the singer near the entrance.

How to use it: zero in on someone/something (Shoppers zeroed in on the discount table.)

Similar words: converge on, flock to

Opposites: disperse

Common phrases: zero in on something, zero in on someone