under the microscope

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under the microscope

1. (idiomatic, figurative) Under close scrutiny or examination.

   Synonyms: under the loupe, under the magnifying glass, under the spotlight

   Coordinate term: by eye

   • 1994, United States, Congress, House, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies, Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations for 1995, Hearings Before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, One Hundred Third Congress, Second Session, Part 1, page 120:

     Our people get beat on so much, and because we are under the microscope, it is good for us once in a while to understand that VA folks are really great people and they are trying to do their job and they are very compassionate.

• Also used as an adjective.