Meaning of in the crosshairs | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Targeted at the point of intersection of the two perpendicular lines in a gunsight or scope.
   literally
2. Subject to close scrutiny.
   figuratively
3. Singled out for blame, harassment, or other unwanted attention.
   figuratively

Examples

“Industry experts are concerned that if the railway doesn't change tack, it would soon find itself out of step with the needs of the nation and in the crosshairs of a Treasury looking to slash spending.”

“Nettles lives in the crosshairs, with the secret police, his sympathizers, and his now and would-be lovers making impossible demands on him.”

“The German industrial giants that exploited slave labor during the war, from Volkswagen to Krupp, are in the crosshairs of class-action suits from Holocaust survivors.”

“U.S. Representative Jane Harman, a California Democrat, has found herself in the crosshairs of a potential scandal.”

CEFR level