Be onto Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈbi/, /bi/ /ˈɑntu/, /ˈɔntu

bee ON-too

UK

bˈiː/ /ˈɒntʊ

bee ON-tuh

Definition

To realize or discover something, often when figuring out a secret or hidden plan. Also used when following or pursuing someone or something closely.

Usage & Nuances

'Be onto' is informal and often used for catching on to a trick, secret, or problem ("I think I'm onto something"). It also means to pursue persistently ("The police are onto him"). Common error: don't confuse with 'be on' (position) or 'be into' (interest).

• Spanish: haber descubierto (algo) - estar detrás de (alguien) - estar al tanto de
• Portuguese (BR): estar por dentro de (algo) - estar em cima de (alguém) - perceber (algo)
• Portuguese (PT): estar por dentro de (algo) - estar atrás de (alguém) - perceber (algo)
• Chinese (Simplified): 察觉到 - 正在跟进 - 紧盯着
• Chinese (Traditional): 察覺到 - 正在跟進 - 緊盯著
• Hindi: समझ जाना - पकड़ में आ जाना - पीछा करना
• Arabic: اكتشف (شيئًا) - يلاحق (شخصًا) - يدرك
• Bengali: ধরা পড়া - বুঝে ফেলা
• Russian: раскусить - догадаться - следить за
• Japanese: 気づく - 見抜く - 追っている
• Vietnamese: phát hiện ra - theo sát
• Korean: 눈치채다 - 뒤쫓다
• Turkish: farkına varmak - peşinde olmak
• Urdu: پکڑ لینا - سمجھ جانا
• Indonesian: menyadari - membongkar - mengejar

Example Sentences

I think I'm onto something with this idea.

basic

The teacher is onto the students who cheated.

basic

The police are onto the thief.

basic

Don't tell her your plan—she's already onto you.

natural

You’re really onto something with that new recipe—everyone loved it!

natural

Uh oh, I think the boss is onto our little secret.

natural