be onto something
Nearing a breakthrough
To be onto something is to have discovered or be pursuing an idea that shows promise: I think you're onto something with this approach.
It suggests the beginning of a breakthrough—a lead worth following, an insight that might prove correct.
The phrase often appears as encouragement: You might be onto something there.
- get itUnderstand, often informally
- see the lightSuddenly understand something
- aha momentSudden flash of understanding
- light bulb momentSudden moment of realization
- hunchUnproven inner sense
gut feeling · gut instinct · breakthrough · connecting the dots · research · brainstorming · inquiry · revelation · premonition · tracking · suspicion · sleuthing · epiphany · discernment · hot on the trail · finding · lead · clue
insight/understanding
be onto somethingmiss the point
Fail to understand essence
hit a brick wall · draw a blank · miss the mark · spin one's wheels · go around in circles