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3. draw a bead on

draw a bead on

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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