fix on (someone or something)

fix on (someone or something)

1. verb To make a final decision about something. Yes, I think we've finally fixed on the topics for the meeting. Jeff's been hemming and hawing about which car to buy—I wish he would just fix on one already! I haven't fixed on a flavor yet because they all sound so good! You go ahead and order.

2. verb To focus something on someone or something. A: "What did you fix the telescope on? I can't see anything." B: "That's because the lens cap is still on." Ugh, my picture of the tulips came out blurry because the camera fixed on the bush in front of them instead. In the limited time you have left before your paper's due, just fix on the things you definitely need to change.

3. verb To become fixated on someone or something. In this usage, "upon" can also be used after "fix." Callie is so beautiful that I'm just fixed on her any time she walks in the room. Naturally, our kids are fixed on getting toys for Christmas that are already sold out in all the stores. Why is Matt fixed on making the baseball team all of a sudden? He's not a great athlete, so he'll probably just end up disappointed.

4. verb To stick or fasten something on another object. In this usage, "onto" is commonly used after "fix." Please fix stamps onto these envelopes and then drop them in the mailbox. Well, I see the kids fixed some stickers to your shirt while you were babysitting. Here's some packing tape and a print-out of the buyer's address. Can you please fix it onto the box?

5. noun The exact location or position of something. Sir, I can't get a fix on where the boat is out in the ocean. Once the radar system is operational, it should give us a fix on the enemy aircraft. Can't the police use the missing person's cell phone as a way to get a fix on him?

6. noun An understanding or sense of what someone is saying or trying to say. Ann's stories are filled with so many detours that it's hard to get a fix on what she's actually trying to tell you. A: "Did you get a fix on Uncle Harry's story?" B: "No. Especially because I wasn't really listening." It's so annoying when the twins start talking in code, and you can't get a fix on whatever they're really talking about.

See also: fix, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

*fix on something

 

1. the exact location of something distant. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) I can't get a fix on your location. Where are you? We are trying to get a fix on your radio transmission.

2. Fig. an understanding of the direction of a discussion. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) I can't quite get a fix on what you're trying to say. I can't get a fix on where you're going with this argument.

See also: fix, on

fix (up)on someone or something

to become preoccupied with someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) She seems to have fixed upon becoming a pilot. James is quite fixed on Janet.

See also: fix, on

fix something on(to) something

to attach something onto something. We fixed a notice onto the broken door so people wouldn't use it. Please fix a label on this package.

See also: fix, on

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

fix on

v.

1. To determine something conclusively; settle on: We need to fix on a date for the next meeting.

2. To direct something toward a particular point, purpose, or focus of attention: They fixed their eyes on each other from across the room. The photographer's lens fixed on the nest of eagles.

See also: fix, on

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.