zero in

Meanings

1. 1phrasephrasal verb

   To direct attention or effort closely and exactly at one target or problem.

   Grammar: Almost always followed by 'on': zero in on something. The object comes after 'on'.

   Patterns

   • zero in on something
   • zero in on a problem
   • zero in on a target

   The report zeroes in on the main cause of the delay.

   Detectives zeroed in on one suspect after checking the phone records.

   Let's zero in on the budget problem first.

2. 2phrasephrasal verbtechnical

   To aim a gun or other device exactly at a target.

   Grammar: Used literally with weapons or instruments; also followed by 'on'.

   Patterns

   • zero in on a target
   • zero in a rifle

   The pilot zeroed in on the runway lights.

   He zeroed in the scope before the match.

Word forms

Common combinations

zero in on a problem

The team zeroed in on the problem in the first meeting.

zero in on a target

The camera zeroed in on the singer's face.

zero in on a suspect

Police zeroed in on a suspect within days.

zero in on the details

We need to zero in on the details before signing.

Synonyms and how they differ

focus on

Focus on is more general and neutral; zero in on suggests narrowing down to one exact thing.

concentrate on

Concentrate on stresses giving attention; zero in on stresses aiming at a specific target.

home in on

Home in on is very close in meaning but often used for movement toward a target.

Opposites

Word family

zero noun

The number 0.

zero verb

To adjust an instrument to read zero.

zeroed verb

Past form of zero; also used in 'zeroed in on'.

Commonly confused: zero in or home in on?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “zero in”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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