under a microscope

under a microscope

Under close inspection or intense scrutiny. Since I got that official reprimand in work, it feels like I'm being put under a microscope by my boss. The country's surveillance methods have been under a microscope lately, after it emerged that it had been eavesdropping on its own citizen's communications.
See also: microscope
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • be under a microscope
  • be under the microscope
  • put (someone or something) under a microscope
  • let (one) have it
  • let have it
  • let me have it
  • Let me have it!
  • give somebody hell
  • give someone hell
  • give them hell
References in classic literature
[19] The cavities leading from the fleshy compartments of the extremity, were filled with a yellow pulpy matter, which, examined under a microscope, presented an extraordinary appearance.
The Voyage of the Beagle
I was all tuckered out tryin' to mislead 'em and deceive 'em and sidetrack 'em; but the minute I got where I wa'n't put under a microscope by day an' a telescope by night and had myself TO myself without sayin' `By your leave,' I begun to pick up.
Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm
While looking at things under a microscope, you might discover there are deeper issues beneath the surface.
Tell it don't yell it: How to get what you want the smooth takin' way