Cotton to
verb
To quickly like or understand something or someone.
I didn't cotton to the idea at first, but it's actually a good plan.
Often appears as...
- cotton to the idea
- cotton to him
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To understand something.
I didn't cotton to the math lesson, so I asked the teacher to explain it again.
Often appears as...
- cotton to the lesson
- cotton to the concept
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To quickly like or understand something or someone.
I didn't cotton to the idea at first, but it's actually a good plan.
Often appears as...
- cotton to the idea
- cotton to him
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To understand something.
I didn't cotton to the math lesson, so I asked the teacher to explain it again.
Often appears as...
- cotton to the lesson
- cotton to the concept
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Nuance
Understand 'cotton to' sometimes conveys a sense of informality and is used more in casual conversation.
After a few jokes, she really cottoned to me.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Shift
'Cotton to' can imply a change of heart towards something or someone.
He finally cottoned to the new policies.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Skepticism
Sometimes 'cotton to' is used to express reluctant acceptance rather than enthusiasm.
I guess I can cotton to that idea.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Nuance
Understand 'cotton to' sometimes conveys a sense of informality and is used more in casual conversation.
After a few jokes, she really cottoned to me.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Shift
'Cotton to' can imply a change of heart towards something or someone.
He finally cottoned to the new policies.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Skepticism
Sometimes 'cotton to' is used to express reluctant acceptance rather than enthusiasm.
I guess I can cotton to that idea.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Nuance
Understand 'cotton to' sometimes conveys a sense of informality and is used more in casual conversation.
After a few jokes, she really cottoned to me.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Shift
'Cotton to' can imply a change of heart towards something or someone.
He finally cottoned to the new policies.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Skepticism
Sometimes 'cotton to' is used to express reluctant acceptance rather than enthusiasm.
I guess I can cotton to that idea.
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