Be onto

verb

To be aware of something, especially something not obvious or not publicly known.

The police are onto the thieves who stole the painting.
Visual representation of "be onto" - To be aware of something, especially something not obvious or not publicly known.

Often appears as...

  • i'm onto you
  • get onto it

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb

To start to deal with or think about something.

Once we finish this project, we will move onto the next one.
Visual representation of "be onto" - To start to deal with or think about something.

Often appears as...

  • move onto
  • go onto
verb

To be in contact with the surface of something.

Put the plates onto the table.
Visual representation of "be onto" - To be in contact with the surface of something.

Often appears as...

  • put onto
  • lay onto
verb

To pursue relentlessly; to close in on.

The detectives are onto the suspect's trail.
Visual representation of "be onto" - To pursue relentlessly; to close in on

Often appears as...

  • police are onto
  • reporter is onto
verb

To be aware of something, especially something not obvious or not publicly known.

The police are onto the thieves who stole the painting.
Visual representation of "be onto" - To be aware of something, especially something not obvious or not publicly known.

Often appears as...

  • i'm onto you
  • get onto it

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb

To start to deal with or think about something.

Once we finish this project, we will move onto the next one.
Visual representation of "be onto" - To start to deal with or think about something.

Often appears as...

  • move onto
  • go onto
verb

To be in contact with the surface of something.

Put the plates onto the table.
Visual representation of "be onto" - To be in contact with the surface of something.

Often appears as...

  • put onto
  • lay onto
verb

To pursue relentlessly; to close in on.

The detectives are onto the suspect's trail.
Visual representation of "be onto" - To pursue relentlessly; to close in on

Often appears as...

  • police are onto
  • reporter is onto
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "be onto"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Suspicion Alert

Used when someone suspects another's intentions or actions are secretive.

Illustration for Suspicion Alert
I'm onto you; no sneaking extra cookies!
LampPro Tip 2/3

Discovery Highlight

Emphasizes realizing or uncovering something hidden or unexpected.

Illustration for Discovery Highlight
She's definitely onto something with her new research.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informed Insight

Indicates having insider or advanced knowledge about a situation.

Illustration for Informed Insight
The journalist is onto the scandal before it hits the news.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Suspicion Alert

Used when someone suspects another's intentions or actions are secretive.

Illustration for Suspicion Alert
I'm onto you; no sneaking extra cookies!
LampPro Tip 2/3

Discovery Highlight

Emphasizes realizing or uncovering something hidden or unexpected.

Illustration for Discovery Highlight
She's definitely onto something with her new research.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informed Insight

Indicates having insider or advanced knowledge about a situation.

Illustration for Informed Insight
The journalist is onto the scandal before it hits the news.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Suspicion Alert

Used when someone suspects another's intentions or actions are secretive.

Illustration for Suspicion Alert
I'm onto you; no sneaking extra cookies!
LampPro Tip 2/3

Discovery Highlight

Emphasizes realizing or uncovering something hidden or unexpected.

Illustration for Discovery Highlight
She's definitely onto something with her new research.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informed Insight

Indicates having insider or advanced knowledge about a situation.

Illustration for Informed Insight
The journalist is onto the scandal before it hits the news.
Visual representation of the word "Be onto"

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