hone in

1. To focus or concentrate on something. It's such a complex problem that it's hard to hone in on just one part of it. I'm not surprised Taylor bought a house—once she hones in on a goal, she accomplishes it. There was so much wonderful stuff in that movie, so I don't know why you're honing in on one single problematic scene.

2. To make progress toward some goal or end. I think the detective is honing in on us, Jimmy. We better turn ourselves in! A: "I honed in on my studies this year, and I think I'm actually going to finish with straight A's!" B: "Isn't it funny how that works?" We've got to move out, men. I'm getting reports that enemy troops have honed in on our location.

hone in

1. To advance toward some target, goal, or desired state: The police are honing in on the location of the gang. We don't have the answer yet, but by working together we're definitely honing in.

2. To direct one's attention; focus: The lawyer honed in on the discrepancies in my testimony.