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."
inseparable
key on
C1 informal inseparable transitive
To focus on or target a particular person, thing, or aspect, especially in sports or strategy.
In plain English
To pick out one person or thing and pay extra attention to it.
What does "key on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "key on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
player opponent weakness target issue detail
How to conjugate "key on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "key on" in the wild
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Other ways to say "key on"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
concentrate on focus on mark target watch zero in on
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