have (someone or something) in (one's) sights
1. Literally, to have one's gun aimed at someone or something. I had the deer in my sights, but I stepped on a branch and scared it away. The snipers have the target in their sights, sir. It was unbelievably terrifying—I didn't know anyone had me in their sights until I heard the gunshots!
2. By extension, to intend or be preparing to attack or defeat someone. He's had a phenomenal career for such a young boxer, and now he has the reigning champion in his sights. Be careful. You don't want a company like them to have you in their sights. He has the CEO in his sights for his next big exposé.
3. To be focusing one's attention and desire on obtaining or achieving something. They've had an Olympic gold medal in their sights for the last eight years. The retired actor now has public office in his sights. Ever since she was a little girl, Janet has had her sights on being a fighter pilot.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
have someone or something in one's sights
1. Lit. to have one's gun aimed at someone or something. The sniper had the soldier in his sights. I had the deer in my sights. I fired.
2. Fig. to consider someone or something one's goal or conquest. I have a promotion in my sights and I hope to get it before the end of the year. I've had Sally in my sights for years. I intend to marry her.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.