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microscope

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be under a microscope

To be under close inspection or intense scrutiny. After I got that official reprimand at work, it feels like I'm under a microscope with my boss. The country's surveillance methods have been under a microscope lately, after news sources learned that it had been eavesdropping on its own citizens' communications.

See also: microscope

be under the microscope

To be under close inspection or intense scrutiny. After I got that official reprimand at work, it feels like I'm under the microscope with my boss. The country's surveillance methods have been under the microscope lately, after news sources learned that it had been eavesdropping on its own citizens' communications.

See also: microscope

put (someone or something) under a microscope

To begin closely inspecting someone or something; to examine someone or something with intense scrutiny. After I got that official reprimand at work, it feels like my bosses are putting me under a microscope. The country's surveillance methods are being put under a microscope lately, after news sources learned that it had been eavesdropping on its own citizens' communications.

See also: microscope, put

under the microscope

Under close inspection or intense scrutiny. After I got that official reprimand at work, it feels like I'm being put under the microscope by my boss. The country's surveillance methods have been under the microscope lately, after news sources learned that it had been eavesdropping on its own citizens' communications.

See also: microscope

under a microscope

also under the microscope

in a way that something can be examined carefully The new law allows the president to hold every item of spending under a microscope.

Etymology: from the literal meaning of microscope (a device used for scientific study that makes very small objects look larger)

See also: microscope

put something under the microscope

to examine or think about a situation very carefully

Usage notes: A microscope is a piece of scientific equipment that allows you to see small things very clearly.

Because they're both public figures, their relationship has been put under the microscope.

See also: microscope, put