to put under the microscope
1
4.2
- phrasal verb
- Informal
:
examinar detenidamente
- The scientist decided to put under the microscope the new theory to test its validity.
Examples
-
You can disagree all you want that women aren't put under the microscope, but you're ignoring reality.
Blog text (20) -
"People like me have been waiting a long time for things like tool marks, firearms, and bite marks to be put under the microscope," says James Starrs, a professor of law and forensic science at George Washington University.
Academic text (2004) -
And the project is put under the microscope.
Blog text (7) -
Can you imagine anyone outside of a psychiatric patient being put under the microscope while others discuss the possible reasons for certain behaviors?
Blog text (29) -
One day he had the crazy idea that video games could be put under the microscope with the same amount of respect and thought that books and movies are given, only to discover he was not the first person to think of this.
Blog text (6) -
That's because this is clearly one of those 42 games, and the reason why those 42 games get put under the microscope is that they become the defining games of the season.
Blog text (31) -
As both my theories and my practices are put under the microscope through philosophical reflection, I often seem to find myself in a process of re-examining and re-formulating my beliefs, ideas, and therefore practices.
Blog text (7) -
The new policy was put under the microscope to ensure all details met the regulations.
-
After the audit, the company's expenses were put under the microscope by the investigators.
Synonyms
868
2.5
To look at something carefully to find facts or problems
642
2.5
To check something carefully, like papers or work
202
2.5
To look at something carefully to check if it works or is safe
180
2.8
To read or check something carefully for mistakes
48
3.7
To look carefully at something to learn about it
23
4.6
To examine something with a thin instrument often by touch
18
5.4
To look carefully at a place or person to get information before you act
Antonyms
How Closely Examined
- Informal
1
4.2
- US
70
6.2
202
2.5
150
2.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
put + under + the + microscope
The meaning is directly built from the parts: 'put' + 'under' + 'microscope' evokes placing something where it is magnified, so the idea of close, careful examination is plainly derivable from the constituents. This concrete physical image and the common cross-linguistic metaphor make the phrase immediately comprehensible to a B1 learner who knows the component words.
Etymology
The phrase put under the microscope comes from the simple idea of putting an object under a microscope to see very small details. So, it means 'to check very carefully'.