get a bead on (someone or something)

1. To aim at someone or something with the sights on a firearm. I managed to get a bead on the enemy sniper but had to wait until I received the order to fire. No, his movements are too erratic—I can't get a bead on him without endangering passersby. Get a bead on the animal and then fire!

2. By extension, to focus one's attention on someone or something so as to deal with or attack him, her, or it. The candidate got a bead on his opponent's poor political record during the debate. The president has pledged to get a bead on the growing problem of adolescent obesity. We need to get a bead on truancy in the school district before it spirals totally out of control.

3. To thoroughly understand, appreciate, or comprehend someone or something. The team just has to get a bead on the severity of the cyber attack before we can implement any meaningful fixes. I couldn't understand him at first, but I'm finally starting to get a bead on my sister's boyfriend. You've played this game, right? I'm still trying to get a bead on the wizard's mysterious comments.