zero in on

zero in on — phrasal verb

  • zero in onbase form
  • zeroes in on3rd person singular
  • zeroing in on-ing form
  • zeroed in onpast simple

1. to point a weapon, camera lens, or other directional device at a target with gre

1.片語動詞不及物B2
釋義

to point a weapon, camera lens, or other directional device at a target with great precision so that a shot, image, or reading will be accurate.

例句

The soldier zeroed in on the truck through the scope and waited for the order.

military context: zeroed in on + [target]

The news camera zeroed in on the burning building to show firefighters at work.

同義詞
  • target

    more general; 'zero in on' implies calibration or focusing for accuracy

  • lock onto

    very similar, often used for radar or missile guidance; slightly more technical

  • train on

    means to point and keep steady; 'zero in on' adds the idea of adjusting for precision

反義詞
  • ignore

    to pay no attention to a possible target

  • overlook

    to fail to notice or aim at something

文法句型

zero in on + target (noun/noun phrase)

用法筆記

Subject can be a person operating a device or the device itself. Object must be the physical target being aimed at.

常見錯誤

❌The dog zeroed in on the bone.
✅The sniper zeroed in on the enemy vehicle through the scope.
💡This sense requires a weapon or directional device, not general animal behaviour.

2. to give your complete attention to a particular person, problem, or issue, espec

2.片語動詞不及物B2
釋義

to give your complete attention to a particular person, problem, or issue, especially in order to understand it or find a solution.

例句

The committee zeroed in on the budget issues during the second hour of the meeting.

institutional context: zero in on + [issue/problem]

When reviewing the applications, Eitan zeroed in on candidates with strong communication skills.

同義詞
  • focus on

    more general; 'zero in on' implies narrowing down from a wider set

  • home in on

    nearly identical in meaning and register; both suggest precise direction

  • concentrate on

    emphasises effort rather than narrowing; less directional

反義詞
  • ignore

    to deliberately not give attention to something

  • overlook

    to fail to consider something important

文法句型

zero in on + [person/issue/problem]

用法筆記

Common in professional contexts such as meetings, investigations, and research. The object is typically an abstract noun (problem, issue, cause, suspect) rather than a concrete object.

常見錯誤

❌I zeroed in on a sandwich for lunch.
✅The researchers zeroed in on the gene that causes the disease.
💡In the attention-focus sense, the object should be something significant that needs careful study, not a routine everyday choice.