The English phrase "were onto someone" means to have figured out or discovered someone's secrets or misdeeds. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /wɜr ˈɒntu sʌmˌwʌn/. The spelling of 'were' is influenced by the past tense form of the verb 'be', which is 'was' and 'were'. In this phrase, 'were' indicates a plural subject. 'Onto' is a preposition that means 'aware of' or 'following closely'. 'Someone' is a pronoun referring to an unidentified person.
"Was onto someone" is an idiomatic expression used to indicate that a person has become suspicious or aware of someone's true intentions, motives, or actions, usually related to illicit or deceptive behavior. It implies that the person has gained insight or knowledge that enables them to discern or understand someone's hidden agenda or secret activities.
When someone says that they were onto someone, it suggests that they have detected or become suspicious of the person's true nature or actions, even if the person being observed may not be aware of it. This phrase often implies a sense of determination or vigilance in discovering the truth about someone or something. It can refer to situations where individuals are investigating or trying to gather evidence about wrongdoing or dishonesty.
The phrase can be used in various contexts, such as a private investigation, an informal conversation, or a fictional suspense story. It suggests that the individual who is "onto someone" is actively engaged in uncovering information that may expose the person being observed. Overall, "were onto someone" conveys the idea of being aware, knowledgeable, or suspicious about someone's hidden intentions, often implying a sense of uncovering the truth behind their actions.