drew a bead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drew a bead" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the action of aiming carefully at a target, often in a context related to shooting or focusing intently on something. Example: "He drew a bead on the target, steadying his breath before pulling the trigger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Drew a bead.

The New Yorker

"Just become one," I thought as I drew a bead on my targets.

The New York Times - Arts

I took a deep breath and then I drew a bead on her.

The New York Times

"In Mad and all his subsequent ventures," the authors write, "Kurtzman drew a bead on the phony aspects and idiosyncrasies of modern commercial culture...

The New York Times - Books

The sergeant drew a bead on the shooter with his weapon of choice, an M-14 rifle equipped with a special optic sight that has crosshairs and a red aiming dot.

The New York Times

By the time he drew a bead on Joe Hart's goal the score was inevitable and the brief new world of Pearce and Parker was close to toppling off its axis.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

These men and women are drawing a bead on 60.

The New York Times

Not when Mr. Slice has drawn a bead on you.

The New York Times

Politically, it's hard to draw a bead on him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Seal the unit by drawing a bead of caulk around the perimeter of the trim.

The New York Times

Maybe a new Tom Wolfe is already drawing a bead on that episode of Panther-worthy chutzpah.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing the phrase in formal or business writing as it may sound out of place. Opt for clearer, more direct alternatives like "focused on" or "targeted".

Common error

Be mindful of the context. Avoid using "drew a bead" in situations where it could be misinterpreted literally (as in, actually aiming a weapon) when you intend a figurative meaning (focusing on a goal).

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "drew a bead" primarily functions as a verb phrase. As Ludwig AI states, it describes the action of aiming or focusing on a target, whether in a literal or figurative sense. It adds a specific nuance to the act of targeting, implying carefulness and intention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drew a bead" is a grammatically sound idiom used to describe aiming or focusing intently on a target. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. While it's most frequently found in News & Media, it's versatile enough for various contexts, provided one is mindful of its slightly informal tone. When aiming for clarity in formal settings, consider direct alternatives like "focused on" or "targeted". Ultimately, "drew a bead" is a valuable addition to your linguistic toolkit, provided it's used with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took aim at

Very similar to "drew a bead", but without the idiomatic feel and historical context.

zeroed in on

Similar meaning of concentrating on target, adds sense of precision and adjustment.

focused on

Emphasizes mental concentration rather than physical aiming.

concentrated on

Emphasizes the act of focusing one's attention or effort, which is similar to "drew a bead" in the figurative sense of focusing on a goal or objective.

targeted

Highlights the act of selecting a target, but lacks the nuance of precise aiming.

homed in on

Suggests an automated or guided targeting process.

aimed at

Focuses on the physical act of aiming, omitting the idiomatic sense of carefulness.

fixed attention on

Highlights a deliberate and sustained focus, useful in formal contexts.

lined up sights on

Describes aligning a weapon's sights on a target and removes the figurative meaning.

set sights on

Emphasizes aspiration and intention, not necessarily immediate action.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "drew a bead" on something?

It means they aimed at something, either literally with a weapon, or figuratively by focusing intently on a goal or target. It implies carefulness and purpose.

How can I use "drew a bead" in a sentence?

For example, you might say, "The sniper "drew a bead" on the target." Or, figuratively, "The company "drew a bead" on increasing market share."

What can I say instead of "drew a bead"?

Depending on the context, you could use "aimed at", "targeted", "focused on", or "zeroed in on".

Is it appropriate to use "drew a bead" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "drew a bead" is more common in informal or narrative contexts. In formal writing, consider more direct alternatives like "focused on" or "targeted" for clarity and professionalism.