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laser in on

C1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To look at or focus on one specific thing very, very carefully, like a laser beam pointing at it.

Literal meaning: A laser beam is an extremely precise, concentrated beam of light — 'lasering in' on something pictures that beam narrowing onto a single point.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

To concentrate very sharply and precisely on a specific issue, target, or detail, excluding everything else.

"The analyst lasered in on the one data point that didn't match the pattern."

Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

To target a specific person, weakness, or opportunity with determined, precise effort.

"The coach told the team to laser in on the opponent's defensive gaps."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Relatively recent expression, more common in American English. Found in business, sports commentary, and media. More vivid and emphatic than 'focus on'. Can also be spelled/said as 'laser-focus on'.

Commonly used with

issue problem detail target weakness opportunity

Forms

Base
laser in on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lasers in on
he/she/it
Past simple
lasered in on
yesterday
Past participle
lasered in on
have + pp
-ing form
lasering in on
continuous

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Synonyms

zero in on home in on focus on hone in on zoom in on pinpoint

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