Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

cotton on

informal phrasal verb with cotton
 
/ˈkɒt.ən/
 
US  /ˈkɑː.t̬ən/ verb

Definition

to begin to understand a situation or fact: I'd only just cottoned on to the fact that they were having a relationship.Understanding and comprehending
(Definition of cotton on from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
Focus on the pronunciation of cotton on