zero in

/ˈzɪroʊ ɪn/

Other forms: zeroed in; zeroing in; zeros in

To zero in is to adjust a gun so a target is in its sights. Zeroing in also refers to other types of homing in and targeting.

This term has to do with setting your sights on something, or focusing on something in some other way. If you're zeroing in with a gun, you're adjusting the zero of the gun so it's aimed at a target. Snipers and sharpshooters are experts at zeroing in. If the police are zeroing in on a suspect, they’re getting closer to the suspect. As you adjust a radio dial, you’re zeroing in on a station.

Definitions of zero in

1. verb

   direct onto a point or target, especially by automatic navigational aids
   synonyms: home in, range in

   type of:

   aim, direct, place, point, target

   intend (something) to move towards a certain goal
2. verb

   adjust (as by firing under test conditions) the zero of (a gun)
   synonyms: zero

   type of:

   adjust, correct, set

   alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard