onto

on|to [ `antə ] preposition ***

1. ) into a position on an object or surface:

A tree fell onto a car, trapping the people inside.

Marilyn emptied her shopping bag onto the carpet.

He climbed onto the roof to get a better view.

a ) to an area that you think of as a surface:

A spectator ran onto the field and attacked the referee.

Eric can make people laugh merely by walking onto the stage.

Thousands of protesters poured out onto the streets.

b ) into a bus, train, ship, or aircraft, etc.:

Slater was arrested for trying to carry a gun onto the plane.

The refugees were herded onto buses.

c ) into a position in which you are resting or supporting yourself on a particular part of your body:

She rolled over onto her back and gazed at the ceiling.

2. ) used for saying that something is added to a list, statement, word, etc.:

Somehow Donald's name had gotten onto the list of candidates.

To form the plural, just add s or es onto the end.

3. ) used for saying in which direction a building, room, door, or window faces, or where it leads to:

The kitchen looks out onto a long narrow garden.

an apartment building facing onto Washington Square

be onto a good thing or be onto a winner

to have found an opportunity to become very successful or make a lot of money:

Internet companies obviously thought they were onto a good thing.

be/get onto someone MAINLY BRITISH

to speak to someone in order to complain or ask something

be onto someone

to have found out that a particular person was involved in a crime:

He knew the police were onto him.

be onto something

to have information that will help you make an important discovery:

I think you could be onto something here.