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glom onto

C1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To grab onto someone or something and not let go, like sticky tape.

Literal meaning: To stick or adhere onto something.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

To attach oneself to a person in a persistent, unwanted, or opportunistic manner.

"The toddler glommed onto the babysitter the moment her mother left the room."

Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

To seize upon or become fixated on an idea, trend, or opportunity.

"Advertisers quickly glommed onto the viral meme and used it in their campaigns."

Grammar: inseparable
3 C1 idiomatic slang

To steal or take something for oneself (rare, dated slang).

"Someone glommed onto my umbrella while I was in the café."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Chiefly North American. More commonly seen than 'glom on' because the 'onto' specifies the target directly. Implies opportunism or obsessiveness. Also used figuratively for seizing an idea or opportunity.

Commonly used with

idea person opportunity trend concept stranger

Forms

Base
glom onto
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gloms onto
he/she/it
Past simple
glomed onto
yesterday
Past participle
glomed onto
have + pp
-ing form
gloming onto
continuous

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