set onto

C1 informal separable transitive

In simple words

To point someone in the direction of a person or thing, often to pursue or investigate them.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

rare

To direct a person or animal to attack or pursue a specific target.

"The informant set the investigators onto the real ringleader of the operation."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

Less common than 'set on'. Sometimes used to mean directing someone's attention to a lead or target, as in investigative contexts.

target trail lead suspect track

Base

set onto

I/you/we/they

3rd person

sets onto

he/she/it

Past simple

set onto

yesterday

Past participle

set onto

have + pp

-ing form

setting onto

continuous

Try:

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direct towards sic onto set on point towards put onto

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