onto

1. 1
   to a surfacepreposition

   Moving to a position on top of or on the surface of something.

   The cat jumped onto the kitchen counter.

   She stepped onto the stage as the crowd cheered.

   UsageUse onto for moving to the top of something. Write on to in go on to the next page.

   Similaron, upon

   Oppositeoff

   Note
2. 2
   doors facingpreposition

   Used to say what place a door, window, or room faces or leads straight to.

   The kitchen door opens onto a small backyard.

   Our hotel room looked out onto the beach.

   UsageUsed after open or look: the door opens onto the yard.

3. 3
   aware ofprepositioncolloquial

   Aware of what someone is secretly doing or planning.

   Like a dog that smells food someone tried to hide.

   The detectives were onto the smugglers within a week.

   She could tell her brother was onto her little secret.

   UsageUsually said as be onto someone: I'm onto you.

4. 4
   preposition

   Used in "be onto something": to have found a good idea that could lead to success.

   Like finding the first clue that points you to the treasure.

   I think we're onto something with this new cookie recipe.

   The kids knew they were onto something when everyone wanted to buy their lemonade.

   Note

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