Be/get wise to somebody/something
verb
To become aware of someone's real intentions or the reality of a situation.
He was always late for work but his boss soon got wise to him and gave him a warning.
Often appears as...
- wise to the fact
- wise to the game
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To become aware of someone's real intentions or the reality of a situation.
He was always late for work but his boss soon got wise to him and gave him a warning.
Often appears as...
- wise to the fact
- wise to the game
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Disbelief Suspicion
Use the phrase when you start doubting someone's honesty or the truth of a situation.
After all the excuses, she finally got wise to his cheating.
Pro Tip 2/3Realization Moment
It reflects the moment someone understands something that they did not see or realize before.
He got wise to the fact that the 'secret deal' was actually a scam.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Nuance
In some cultures, 'getting wise to' may suggest someone has gained street-smart insights, not just book knowledge.
Growing up in a tough neighborhood, she got wise to the streets early on.
Pro Tip 1/3Disbelief Suspicion
Use the phrase when you start doubting someone's honesty or the truth of a situation.
After all the excuses, she finally got wise to his cheating.
Pro Tip 2/3Realization Moment
It reflects the moment someone understands something that they did not see or realize before.
He got wise to the fact that the 'secret deal' was actually a scam.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Nuance
In some cultures, 'getting wise to' may suggest someone has gained street-smart insights, not just book knowledge.
Growing up in a tough neighborhood, she got wise to the streets early on.
Pro Tip 1/3Disbelief Suspicion
Use the phrase when you start doubting someone's honesty or the truth of a situation.
After all the excuses, she finally got wise to his cheating.
Pro Tip 2/3Realization Moment
It reflects the moment someone understands something that they did not see or realize before.
He got wise to the fact that the 'secret deal' was actually a scam.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Nuance
In some cultures, 'getting wise to' may suggest someone has gained street-smart insights, not just book knowledge.
Growing up in a tough neighborhood, she got wise to the streets early on.
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