under-the-microscope
/ˌʌn.də ðə ˈmaɪ.krə.skəʊp/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
If someone or something is under the microscope, people are looking at them very closely. They are being examined, checked, or criticised in detail.
- The report is under the microscope now.
- Her spending was under the microscope.
- The new policy came under the microscope.
Adinary Nuance
Under the microscope is stronger than simply "watched" or "looked at." It suggests careful examination, often because people suspect a problem or want details. Compared with "scrutinized," it sounds a little more vivid and idiomatic. Compared with "monitored," it focuses less on repeated watching and more on close inspection.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- bị soi xét kỹ
- Spanish
- bajo examen
- Chinese
- 受到严密审查
- Japanese
- 厳しく検証される
- Korean
- 면밀히 검토되다
Etymology
This idiom comes from the image of using a microscope to study something very closely. It became common in English in the 20th century.
Common phrases
come under the microscopeput under the microscopeunder close scrutiny
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is under the microscope formal or informal?
- It is neutral to slightly formal. It works well in news, academic writing, and everyday speech.
- What is the difference between under the microscope and monitored?
- Monitored means watched over time. Under the microscope means examined very closely, often for problems or mistakes.
- Can I use under the microscope for people?
- Yes. People can be under the microscope when others judge their actions closely.
- Is this phrase common in IELTS writing?
- Yes. It is useful in academic and news-style writing when discussing review or criticism.