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put someone on to

B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To tell someone about a useful contact, idea, or thing, or to connect them directly with someone who can help.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To tell someone about a useful person, resource, or idea.

"My neighbor put me on to a plumber who charges very reasonable prices."

Grammar: separable
2 A2 neutral

To transfer a phone call so someone speaks with a different person.

"I'll put you on to our accounts department — they'll be able to help with your invoice."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To direct the attention of police or investigators to a suspect or lead.

"A witness put the investigators on to the real culprit."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very common in everyday British and American English. The object is always a person, and the thing they are put onto follows: 'put me on to a great mechanic.' Also used literally when connecting phone calls.

Commonly used with

contact mechanic supplier doctor lead specialist

Forms

Base
put someone on to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
puts someone on to
he/she/it
Past simple
put someone on to
yesterday
Past participle
put someone on to
have + pp
-ing form
putting someone on to
continuous

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Synonyms

connect with recommend to refer to direct to introduce to link up with

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