# take a bead on

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-a-bead-on
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To aim a gun at something.

## Examples

- The hunter takes a bead on the target.
- The soldier takes a bead on the distant post to ensure he is ready for the signal.
- With steady hands and focused eyes, the marksman takes a bead on the small object, waiting for the wind to die down before pulling the trigger.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.