cross hairs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Figurative
Quick answer
What does “cross hairs” mean?
The intersecting lines in the viewfinder or scope of a gun, telescope, or other optical device, used for precise aiming.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The intersecting lines in the viewfinder or scope of a gun, telescope, or other optical device, used for precise aiming.
Used metaphorically to describe a state of intense focus, targeting, or scrutiny, as in being "in the cross hairs" of someone's attention or criticism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The singular form 'cross hair' is exceptionally rare; both varieties strongly prefer the plural 'cross hairs' or the closed compound 'crosshairs'. The closed compound 'crosshairs' is more common in American English, while 'cross hairs' (two words) is slightly more common in British English, but both forms are understood everywhere.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties. The literal meaning is technical/neutral; the figurative meaning carries connotations of aggression, threat, or intense pressure.
Frequency
The term is of moderate frequency in technical/military contexts. Its figurative usage has become fairly common in political, business, and media discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “cross hairs” in a Sentence
[subject] + place/put + [object] + in the cross hairs[object] + be + in the cross hairs + of + [agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross hairs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sniper slowly cross-haired the target.
- The system automatically cross-hairs the coordinates.
American English
- The hunter crosshaired the deer in his scope.
- The software crosshairs the anomaly on the map.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- N/A (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- N/A (Not used as a standard adjective)
American English
- N/A (Not used as a standard adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The underperforming division is now firmly in the cross hairs of the new CEO."
Academic
"The researcher's controversial thesis put her in the cross hairs of peer review."
Everyday
"After that mistake, I was in the cross hairs of my boss for a week."
Technical
"Align the specimen so the cell nucleus is centred in the microscope's cross hairs."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross hairs”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross hairs”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross hairs”
- Using the singular 'cross hair'. Incorrect: *He looked through the cross hair. Correct: He looked through the cross hairs.
- Misspelling as one word 'crosshairs' is acceptable, but two words 'cross hairs' is also correct.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Crosshairs' is more common as a closed compound, especially in American English, while 'cross hairs' is also widely used.
Rarely. The figurative use almost always implies being targeted for criticism, attack, or intense, potentially unwelcome scrutiny. A positive spin might be 'in the cross hairs for a promotion,' but this is unusual.
It is primarily a plural noun. The verb form 'to crosshair' (or 'to cross-hair') is a technical back-formation and is very rare.
For 'in the cross hairs,' you could say 'in the spotlight,' 'under fire,' 'being targeted,' or 'under scrutiny,' depending on the context.
Cross hairs is usually technical / figurative in register.
Cross hairs: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒs ˌheəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɔːs ˌherz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in the cross hairs (of someone/something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CROSS (X) made of HAIR-thin lines you see when you AIM. If you're IN them, you're the TARGET.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTENTION/SCRUTINY IS AIMING A WEAPON (e.g., 'She drew a bead on the problem,' 'He's in my sights').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary literal meaning of 'cross hairs'?