Be on to Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈbi/, /bi/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ

BEE ON-too, BEE AWN-too, BEE ON-tuh, BEE ON-tih

UK

bˈiː/ /ˈɒn/ /tˈuː

bee ON-too

Definition

To realize or discover the truth about something, often when someone is trying to hide it; or, to have discovered something important or useful.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, used when someone realizes a secret, a trick, or an important idea. Common with 'someone is on to you' (you've been caught). Also used positively, like 'be on to something' (an important discovery). Do not confuse with 'be onto' (physically on top of).

• Spanish: descubrir - estar al tanto de - darse cuenta de
• Portuguese (BR): estar por dentro de - perceber - sacar
• Portuguese (PT): estar a par de - descobrir - perceber
• Chinese (Simplified): 发现...的真相 - 意识到
• Chinese (Traditional): 發現…的真相 - 意識到
• Hindi: पता चल जाना - समझ जाना
• Arabic: اكتشف أمر - أصبح على علم بـ
• Bengali: ঘটনাটা বুঝে ফেলা - কৌশল ধরে ফেলা
• Russian: раскусить - понять замысел
• Japanese: 見抜く - 気づく
• Vietnamese: nhận ra - phát hiện ra
• Korean: 눈치채다 - 간파하다
• Turkish: farkına varmak - anlamak
• Urdu: بھانپ لینا - حقیقت جان لینا
• Indonesian: menyadari - mengetahui

Example Sentences

I think the teacher is on to us about cheating.

basic

She realized her parents were on to her lies.

basic

The police are on to him now.

basic

You can't fool me anymore—I'm on to you!

natural

Wait, I think we're really on to something with this idea!

natural

He's acting weird—do you think he's on to our plan?

natural