In the cross hairs

Meaning

The idiom "in the cross hairs" means to be targeted or in someone's sights. It refers to a person or object that is being aimed at, either literally or figuratively. This phrase can also imply that a person or thing is under scrutiny or close attention.

Usage

• The detective had the suspect in the cross hairs and was ready to make an arrest.
• The manager was putting all her employees in the cross hairs for budget cuts.
• In the cross hairs of the political debate were issues of healthcare and education.
• The company's CEO was in the cross hairs of a whistleblower investigation.
• The athlete felt the pressure of being in the spotlight and under the microscope, or in the cross hairs.

Roots and History

The idiom "in the cross hairs" has been used since at least the early 20th century. It originated as a literal reference to the targeting of a rifle's crosshairs on a distant object. Over time, this figurative meaning became associated with being targeted or under close attention.

Synonyms in English

• In someone's sights
• Under scrutiny
• In the bullseye
• In the spotlight
• Being watched

Synonyms in other languages

• En la retilla (Spanish) - to be caught in a net or trap
• Aimé au but (French) - aimed at
• 瞄慮辦 (Mandarin Chinese) - under observation or scrutiny
• お目に入っている (Japanese) - under someone's eye or attention
• האתהפרנות (Hebrew) - under surveillance

Similar Idioms

• wild and woolly

• on the cards

• in the ascendant