onto

ontopreposition

Onto shows movement to a position on the surface of something, or, informally, becoming aware of something someone is trying to hide.

1. to a surfaceto a position on the surface of something

   • The cat jumped onto the table.
   • She climbed onto the roof to fix the antenna.
   • Water spilled onto the floor.
   • He stepped onto the stage to loud applause.

   Collocations

   verb + preposition jump onto, climb onto, step onto, load something onto

   Compare on (onto shows movement toward a surface; on shows the position after arriving, or a fixed position)

2. aware ofaware of a plan, a trick, or a secret that someone is trying to hide

   informal

   • The police are onto him.
   • I think my boss is onto our plan.
   • As soon as she noticed the missing money, she was onto them.

   Collocations

   phrase be onto someone, be onto something