Zero in on means to focus all your attention on one thing: a problem, a detail, a person. Let's zero in on the cause means let's deal with the cause. The zero comes from aiming: a gun sight is adjusted until the error is zero. Attention narrows to a single point.
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zero in on a problem / detail / person; zeroed in on it
- The interview quickly zeroed in on her experience with small teams.
- After checking the whole report, I zeroed in on the missing dates.
- Let's zero in on the cause rather than list every symptom.
What changed
First versionThe discussion zeroed on the cost of transport.
RevisionThe discussion zeroed in on the cost of transport.
The particle in seems unnecessary, so people drop it: zeroed on. But the expression needs both parts: zero in on. The object comes after on: zero in on it.
Focus on is neutral. Zero in on means narrow your attention to one target among many: after reading the whole report, I zeroed in on the missing dates. Pick out means choose and separate from a group.
Your turn
We reviewed several issues, then zeroed in ___ the delivery delay.
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on — The target of attention comes after on: zeroed in on the delivery delay. At isn't part of this expression.
Describe the detail you noticed first when reading a contract, an ad or a timetable.
When I read the rental agreement, I zeroed in on the rules about repairs.
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