zeroed in
Took dead aim
Zeroed in means focused precisely on a target or objective.
The phrase comes from adjusting a weapon's sights until shots hit exactly where aimed—zero deviation.
From this technical sense, it extends to any concentrated attention: The detective zeroed in on the suspect's alibi.
You can zero in on a problem, a location, or the source of a sound.
- aimedDirected at something
- concentrateReduced, potent form
- pinpointingLocating with precision
- homingSteering toward a target
- targetObject of pursuit
taking aim · on target · in the crosshairs · focus · tunnel vision · aiming · calibration · sighted · bullseye · dead center · beaded · tracking · scope · alignment · directing · pursuing · resolve · attention
- attentionattention, focus, focused, attentiveness, focused attention
- focusfocus, concentration, attention, focal point, concentrate
- awareaware, mindful, attentive, alert, vigilant
- clarityclearness, clear, obvious, simplification, concise
- readinessready, prepared, set, alert, primed
zeroed inscattered
Spread irregularly about
unfocused · distracted · diffused · wandered · drifted
zeroed inmissed the mark
Failed to achieve goal
went wide · lost sight of · off target · strayed · diverged
zeroed intuned out
Ceased to pay attention
disengaged · checked out · pulled back · withdrew · backed off