cotton on to
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To slowly figure out a particular thing or idea.
Literal meaning: As with 'cotton on' — the idea of soft fibres gradually clinging or attaching to something.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To gradually become aware of or understand a specific fact, plan, or situation.
"The children soon cottoned on to the fact that presents were hidden in the wardrobe."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Chiefly British and Australian. The object specifies what has been understood. Interchangeable with 'cotton onto'.
Commonly used with
trick idea plan truth secret joke
Forms
Base
cotton on to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cottons on to
he/she/it
Past simple
cottoned on to
yesterday
Past participle
cottoned on to
have + pp
-ing form
cottoning on to
continuous
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