Draw/get a bead on somebody/something

verb

To aim precisely at a target or person.

The hunter drew a bead on the deer in the distance.
Visual representation of "draw/get a bead on somebody/something" - To aim precisely at a target or person

Often appears as...

  • draw a bead on a target
  • draw a bead on an enemy

Usage tips

Neutral

Idiomatic

verb

To understand, focus on or examine someone or something closely.

He couldn't quite draw a bead on her thoughts.
Visual representation of "draw/get a bead on somebody/something" - To understand, focus on or examine someone or something closely

Often appears as...

  • draw a bead on a situation
  • draw a bead on someone's intentions

Usage tips

Neutral

Idiomatic

verb

To aim precisely at a target or person.

The hunter drew a bead on the deer in the distance.
Visual representation of "draw/get a bead on somebody/something" - To aim precisely at a target or person

Often appears as...

  • draw a bead on a target
  • draw a bead on an enemy

Usage tips

Neutral

Idiomatic

verb

To understand, focus on or examine someone or something closely.

He couldn't quite draw a bead on her thoughts.
Visual representation of "draw/get a bead on somebody/something" - To understand, focus on or examine someone or something closely

Often appears as...

  • draw a bead on a situation
  • draw a bead on someone's intentions

Usage tips

Neutral

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "draw/get a bead on somebody/something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Precision Aim

Used when someone focuses very accurately on a target, like aiming with a gun.

Illustration for Precision Aim
The marksman drew a bead on the bullseye and hit it perfectly.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

Metaphorically implies targeted attention or action towards achieving a specific goal.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
She drew a bead on the top sales position and worked tirelessly to achieve it.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Confrontational Tone

Sometimes suggests a confrontational or aggressive focus on someone.

Illustration for Confrontational Tone
The detective drew a bead on the suspect, not letting him out of sight.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Precision Aim

Used when someone focuses very accurately on a target, like aiming with a gun.

Illustration for Precision Aim
The marksman drew a bead on the bullseye and hit it perfectly.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

Metaphorically implies targeted attention or action towards achieving a specific goal.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
She drew a bead on the top sales position and worked tirelessly to achieve it.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Confrontational Tone

Sometimes suggests a confrontational or aggressive focus on someone.

Illustration for Confrontational Tone
The detective drew a bead on the suspect, not letting him out of sight.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Precision Aim

Used when someone focuses very accurately on a target, like aiming with a gun.

Illustration for Precision Aim
The marksman drew a bead on the bullseye and hit it perfectly.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

Metaphorically implies targeted attention or action towards achieving a specific goal.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
She drew a bead on the top sales position and worked tirelessly to achieve it.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Confrontational Tone

Sometimes suggests a confrontational or aggressive focus on someone.

Illustration for Confrontational Tone
The detective drew a bead on the suspect, not letting him out of sight.
Visual representation of the word "Draw/get a bead on somebody/something"

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