in the crosshairs
Being precisely targeted
In the crosshairs means targeted or singled out for attention, criticism, or attack.
The crosshairs are the intersecting lines in a rifle scope or other optical sight used to aim precisely at a target.
Figuratively, being in someone's crosshairs means they've focused on you: The senator found herself in the crosshairs of the opposition, Tech companies are in the crosshairs of regulators.
- watchedSaw with attention
- on the radarCurrently being watched
- monitoredObserved systematically over time
- aimPurpose or direction
- exposedOut in open
scope · bullseye · target practice · endangered · defenseless · tracked · zero in · precision · pinpoint · vulnerable · scrutinized · focal point · precarious · singled out · public enemy · fair game · sitting duck · inspected
- combat idiomsstab in the back, dodge a bullet, fire away, take a shot, under the gun
- Shooting termstake aim, fire away, ready aim fire, on target, bulls eye
- conflictclash, fight, war, battle, dispute
in the crosshairsoff the radar
Beyond monitoring or awareness
under the radar · overlooked · unnoticed · flying under the radar · invisible
in the crosshairssafe
Free from peril
out of harm's way · protected · secure · sheltered · untouchable
in the crosshairslow priority
Not requiring immediate attention
on the back burner · deprioritized · inconsequential · beside the point · out of the picture
cross, crosshair, hairs, hair, hairy, hairless, crossing, crossed, crosses