Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
verb
To draw close to a destination, especially using radar; to move towards a target.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: often
Topics: government, military, politics, war
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: zero in
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To focus or narrow down to something; to find, draw closer or move towards, as by trial and error or a gradual seeking process.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: often
Synonyms: zero in
Antonyms: none provided
verb
direct onto a point or target, especially by automatic navigational aids
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: range in, zero in
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: target, aim, place, direct, point
History
The phrase originates in military use in the early 20th century, apparently by analogy with the older term homing pigeon. From the 1960s it is also found in the mistaken variant hone in. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hone+in
Across languages
7 source translations are retained for this English entry.
