1 C1 idiomatic informal
(Irish English) To become aware of or realize something, especially something previously hidden or not understood.
"It took me a while to cop onto what she was actually trying to say."
inseparable
cop onto
C1 informal inseparable transitive
Irish English informal: to realize, notice, or become aware of something.
In plain English
To suddenly understand or notice something.
What does "cop onto" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Distinctly Irish English. Equivalent to 'catch on to' or 'cotton on to' in other varieties of English. Commonly used when someone finally understands a trick, a secret, or a situation. Always followed by the thing noticed.
Words that pair with "cop onto"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
trick plan secret idea joke scheme
How to conjugate "cop onto"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cop onto
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cops onto
he/she/it
Past simple
coped onto
yesterday
Past participle
coped onto
have + pp
-ing form
coping onto
continuous
Hear "cop onto" in the wild
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Other ways to say "cop onto"
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