under a/the microscope
phrase
: in a state of being watched very closely
Celebrities can find it difficult (to be) living under the microscope.
The business has recently been put under the microscope by federal investigators.
Cite this Entry
“Under a/the microscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under%20a%2Fthe%20microscope. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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