be onto
To know that something important is there, or to have figured out what someone is really up to.
Meanings
To have identified or discovered something important or promising.
"The scientists believe they're onto a new treatment that could change everything."
To have realised or suspected what someone is up to, especially when they are doing something they should not.
"The customs officers were onto the smugglers long before the arrest was made."
To have recognised that something is a good idea or a winning strategy.
"With that new business model, they might really be onto something."
Largely interchangeable with 'be on to'. 'Be onto something' (discovering a lead or idea) and 'be onto someone' (suspecting them) are the most common patterns. Very natural in British and American English.
Commonly used with
Forms
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