1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To move with precision directly toward a specific target or destination
"The rescue helicopter homed in on the signal from the life raft."
inseparable
home in
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To move precisely toward a target, or to direct full attention to something specific
In plain English
Move or aim straight at a target, or pay very close attention to one specific thing
What does "home in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To direct attention or focus precisely on a specific issue, problem, or detail
"The auditors quickly homed in on the discrepancies in the financial records."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To navigate back to one's home base, like a homing pigeon
Actually means
Move or aim straight at a target, or pay very close attention to one specific thing
Usage tip
Always followed by 'on'. Derived from the concept of a homing pigeon or a missile following a signal to its target. Common in both literal (aircraft, missiles) and figurative (identifying a problem, focusing attention) senses. Do not confuse with 'hone in', which many consider non-standard.
Words that pair with "home in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
target problem issue cause source signal
How to conjugate "home in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
home in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
homes in
he/she/it
Past simple
homed in
yesterday
Past participle
homed in
have + pp
-ing form
homing in
continuous
Hear "home in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "home in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "home in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
converge on focus on lock onto pinpoint target zero in on
Keep exploring
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