Meaning
Being the focus of attention or the main objective.
Cultural Background
In French politics, 'en point de mire' is frequently used in headlines to signal that a politician is under 'le feu des critiques' (the fire of criticism). Quebecers use this phrase similarly, but you might also hear 'être dans la mire', which is a slightly shortened version common in North American French. In the French corporate world, having a 'point de mire' is seen as a sign of a strong, visionary leader who doesn't get distracted by minor details. Classic French literature often uses visual metaphors to describe internal obsessions. 'En point de mire' represents the externalization of a character's inner drive.
Use it in Cover Letters
Using 'J'ai l'excellence opérationnelle en point de mire' in a French cover letter shows a high level of linguistic sophistication.
Don't over-use it
Because it's a formal expression, using it three times in one conversation will make you sound like a politician.
Meaning
Being the focus of attention or the main objective.
Use it in Cover Letters
Using 'J'ai l'excellence opérationnelle en point de mire' in a French cover letter shows a high level of linguistic sophistication.
Don't over-use it
Because it's a formal expression, using it three times in one conversation will make you sound like a politician.
The 'Scrutiny' Nuance
Remember that if a *person* is 'en point de mire', it's often not a good thing—it means they are being watched for mistakes.
Verb Pairing
Pair it with 'Garder' (to keep) for a very natural sound: 'Garder son objectif en point de mire'.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec la bonne forme de l'expression.
Le nouveau PDG est ___ de mire de tous les actionnaires.
L'expression correcte est 'en point de mire'.
Quelle phrase utilise l'expression de manière positive (comme un objectif) ?
Choisissez la bonne option :
Ici, l'expression désigne un but personnel positif.
Complétez le dialogue de manière naturelle.
A: Tu penses qu'il va réussir son pari ? B: Oui, il a la victoire ___.
Dans un contexte informel/neutre, ces trois expressions sont synonymes.
Associez l'expression à la situation.
Un journaliste parle d'une réforme contestée.
'En point de mire' signifie qu'elle est l'objet de toutes les attentions/critiques.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Mire vs. Ligne de Mire
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLe nouveau PDG est ___ de mire de tous les actionnaires.
L'expression correcte est 'en point de mire'.
Choisissez la bonne option :
Ici, l'expression désigne un but personnel positif.
A: Tu penses qu'il va réussir son pari ? B: Oui, il a la victoire ___.
Dans un contexte informel/neutre, ces trois expressions sont synonymes.
Un journaliste parle d'une réforme contestée.
'En point de mire' signifie qu'elle est l'objet de toutes les attentions/critiques.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but it's more formal and visual. It implies a target you are aiming at, whereas 'focus' is more general.
Yes, but be careful. 'Elle est en point de mire' usually means she is being scrutinized. If you want to say she is the star, use 'Elle est sous les projecteurs'.
It's common in news and work, but rare in casual chats with friends.
Des points de mire. Only 'point' takes an 's'.
It's better to say 'en point de mire'. 'Dans ma ligne de mire' is the correct version if you want to use 'dans'.
The origin is military, but today most French people don't think of guns when they use it; they think of a 'target' or 'goal'.
It's used in both, but Quebec French often prefers 'dans la mire'.
Yes, but it sounds very dramatic. 'J'ai cette pomme en point de mire' sounds like you are about to hunt the apple.
'Objectif' is the thing you want. 'Point de mire' is the *state* of focusing on that thing.
Yes, because using it correctly requires understanding the nuance of formal register and figurative imagery.
Only if you're being poetic or slightly creepy. 'Je t'ai en point de mire' sounds like you're stalking someone.
No, it's mostly used in this expression or in technical optics.
Related Phrases
Dans la ligne de mire
similarIn the line of fire/sight
Avoir dans le collimateur
similarTo have someone in one's sights
Être au centre de la mire
synonymTo be at the center of the target
Viser haut
builds onTo aim high
Perdre de vue
contrastTo lose sight of
