Definitions

be on to

VERB

ferret out

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ascertain bring to light drive out get at sniff out uncover unearth

WEAK

chase chase down determine dig out dig up disclose discover elicit extract follow hunt hunt down learn nose out penetrate pick up on pierce probe pry pursue quest root out scout out search out seek smell out smoke out trace track down trail worm out

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

And yet here I am, about to tell you that young people might be on to something.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 14, 2025

With a resume as eclectic and consistent as his, he must be on to something.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2025

When he talked to Dean Lomax, they suspected they might be on to a major discovery.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2024

“Hey, that’s a good theory. You might be on to something!”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin