Home and Hone

The confusion associated with these words occurs when home is used as a phrasal verb with the particle in.

To home in is “to come closer and closer to a destination.” A fighter pilot homes in on a target. A detective homes in on a suspect. A carrier pigeon homes in on its home base.

To hone is “to sharpen.” One hones a blade to a sharp edge. Figuratively, one hones or sharpens skills.