key in on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To look very carefully at one thing and give it all your attention.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To direct one's full attention or effort toward a specific goal or detail.
"The coach told the team to key in on the opponent's weak defence in the second half."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
neutral
To identify and target a specific weakness, opportunity, or factor.
"The analysts keyed in on rising inflation as the main risk to the forecast."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Primarily North American English. Common in sports commentary, business, and analytical contexts. Suggests strategic or deliberate narrowing of attention.
Commonly used with
target issue problem detail weakness opportunity
Forms
Base
key in on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keys in on
he/she/it
Past simple
keyed in on
yesterday
Past participle
keyed in on
have + pp
-ing form
keying in on
continuous
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Synonyms
zero in on focus on home in on hone in on pinpoint concentrate on
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