1 B1 idiomatic neutral
To direct one's eyes, gaze, or attention firmly and steadily at something.
"She fixed her eyes on the distant horizon and refused to look away."
inseparable
fix on
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To direct attention, gaze, or a decision firmly toward something or someone; or to attach something to a surface.
In plain English
To choose something and stick with it, or to stare at something very carefully.
What does "fix on" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To choose or decide on something after consideration.
"Have you fixed on a venue for the wedding yet?"
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To attach or fasten something firmly onto a surface.
"Fix the bracket on the wall before attaching the shelf."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something stay fixed (attached) on a surface — the figurative senses extend this stability to attention or decision.
Actually means
To choose something and stick with it, or to stare at something very carefully.
Usage tip
The 'direct attention' sense ('her eyes fixed on him') is common in literary and narrative writing. The 'decide' sense is common in everyday speech. The physical attachment sense ('fix the handle on') is transparent and less idiomatic.
Words that pair with "fix on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
gaze eyes attention date target choice
How to conjugate "fix on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fix on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fixes on
he/she/it
Past simple
fixed on
yesterday
Past participle
fixed on
have + pp
-ing form
fixing on
continuous
Hear "fix on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fix on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "fix on"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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