zoom in

zoom in (on someone or something)

1. . and pan in (on someone or something) to move in to a close-up picture of someone or something, using a zoom lens or a similar lens. The camera zoomed in on the love scene. The camera operator panned in slowly.

2. . to fly or move rapidly at someone or something. The hawk zoomed in on the sparrow. The angry bees zoomed in on Jane and stung her. When the door opened, the cat zoomed in.

3. . to concentrate on a matter related to someone or a problem. Let's zoom in on this matter of debt. She zoomed in and dealt quickly with the problem at hand.

See also: zoom

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zoom in (on something)

to view something more closely The software lets you zoom in so you can check the details of any part of the picture.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of zoom in (to move quickly toward something)

See also: zoom