Cotton on
verb
To understand or realise something.
It took him a while to cotton on that they were making fun of him.
Often appears as...
- cotton on to something
- cotton on to the truth
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To become friendly or familiar with someone or something.
He soon cottoned on with the locals.
Often appears as...
- cotton on with someone
- cotton on with locals
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To understand or realise something.
It took him a while to cotton on that they were making fun of him.
Often appears as...
- cotton on to something
- cotton on to the truth
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To become friendly or familiar with someone or something.
He soon cottoned on with the locals.
Often appears as...
- cotton on with someone
- cotton on with locals
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Realization Delay
The phrase often implies a delayed understanding, suggesting it took time to 'cotton on'.
Everyone knew about the surprise party before he cottoned on.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Nuance
'Cotton on' can imply a gradual realization, not an instant one.
She slowly cottoned on to the hidden meaning in his words.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Use
This phrase is informal and more common in conversational English.
I cottoned on to the joke late but still laughed.
Pro Tip 1/3Realization Delay
The phrase often implies a delayed understanding, suggesting it took time to 'cotton on'.
Everyone knew about the surprise party before he cottoned on.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Nuance
'Cotton on' can imply a gradual realization, not an instant one.
She slowly cottoned on to the hidden meaning in his words.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Use
This phrase is informal and more common in conversational English.
I cottoned on to the joke late but still laughed.
Pro Tip 1/3Realization Delay
The phrase often implies a delayed understanding, suggesting it took time to 'cotton on'.
Everyone knew about the surprise party before he cottoned on.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Nuance
'Cotton on' can imply a gradual realization, not an instant one.
She slowly cottoned on to the hidden meaning in his words.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Use
This phrase is informal and more common in conversational English.
I cottoned on to the joke late but still laughed.
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