key on
C1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To pick out one person or thing and pay extra attention to it.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
In sports, to specifically focus defensive or strategic attention on one player or element.
"The defensive line was told to key on their star quarterback and not let him scramble."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
neutral
To identify and concentrate on a particular factor or detail in a plan or analysis.
"For this quarter, the sales team will key on expanding the mid-market segment."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Chiefly North American. Especially common in American football and basketball commentary to describe a defender concentrating on a specific offensive player. Also used in business strategy.
Commonly used with
player opponent weakness target issue detail
Forms
Base
key on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keys on
he/she/it
Past simple
keyed on
yesterday
Past participle
keyed on
have + pp
-ing form
keying on
continuous
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Synonyms
focus on target zero in on concentrate on mark watch
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