当あたりをつける

expression, ichidan verb

guess; estimate; make an educated guess

Used when forming a rough estimate or hypothesis based on available information, often before taking action or making a decision.

• 犯はん人にんの居い場ば所しょに当あたりをつけて、警けい察さつが動うごき出だした。

  The police made an educated guess about the culprit's whereabouts and started moving.

• 彼かれは経けい験けんから、どの株かぶが上あがるか当あたりをつけている。

  Based on his experience, he estimates which stocks will rise.