be on to
Idioms-
Be aware of or have information about, as in They can't pull that trick again; we're on to them now . [ Colloquial ; second half of 1800s]
-
Discover something important or profitable, as in The researchers claim they are really on to something big . [ Colloquial ; mid-1900s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And from what I saw, at least on the right night, Dave & Buster’s may be on to something.
From Slate ● Jun. 25, 2026
If it feels like the rain just hasn't stopped this year, you might be on to something.
From BBC ● Feb. 10, 2026
And yet here I am, about to tell you that young people might be on to something.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 14, 2025
Plus, there is a huge need for housing in Los Angeles and the pressure will be on to increase density.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 30, 2025
I maintained the hope, however, that Francis might already be on to the vital trick and would immediately blurt it out when he got to the lab.
From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
