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bead

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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.

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.

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.

See also: bead, get, on

take a bead on (someone or something)

1. To aim at someone or something with the sights on a firearm. I managed to take a bead on the enemy sniper but had to wait until I received the order to 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 took a bead on his opponent's poor political record during the debate. The president has pledged to take a bead on the growing problem of adolescent obesity.

3. To thoroughly understand, appreciate, or comprehend someone or something. The team just has to take 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 take a bead on my sister's boyfriend.

See also: bead, on, take

draw a bead on someone or something

 and get a bead on someone or something 

1. . Lit. to locate someone or something in the sights of a gun. Fred drew a bead on the target and pulled the trigger. The hunter drew a bead on the deer.

2. Fig. to prepare to deal with or obtain someone or something. As soon as I get a bead on how widespread the problem really is, I will set up a meeting about it.

See also: bead, draw, on

draw/take a bead on somebody/something

  (American)

to aim a gun at someone or something He drew a bead on the last truck in line and fired at the fuel tank.

See also: bead, draw, on

draw a bead on

Take careful aim, as in The debater drew a bead on his opponent. This term, dating from about 1830, alludes to the bead on a revolver or rifle, that is, a small knob in the foresight. [c. 1930]

See also: bead, draw, on

bead up

v.

To form into the shape of a bead; come together in droplets: Because I just waxed my car, the rain beaded up its surface as it fell. Sweat started to bead up on my forehead.

See also: bead, up