# hone in on

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hone-in-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to focus all your attention on one specific thing or goal.

For teachers: to direct one's attention or efforts with increasing precision toward a specific target or objective; often used as a variant of 'home in on'.

## Examples

- The investigators hone in on the main suspect.
- After reviewing the data, the marketing team began to hone in on their target audience.
- The research paper hones in on the specific genetic markers responsible for the disease's rapid progression in elderly patients.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They honed in the problem." but "They honed in on the problem." — the preposition 'on' is essential to link the action to the object being focused upon.

## Usage notes

- often used with abstract targets like problems, ideas, or specific details.
- Teaching tip: mention that 'home in on' is the original version (like a homing pigeon), but 'hone in on' is now widely accepted in American English despite some traditionalists' objections.

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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.