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They're onto meAn idiom is an expression whose meaning is not readily apparent based on the individual words in the expression. This forum is dedicated to discussing idioms and other sayings. |
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#1
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They're onto me
I just took a glance at a "caja boba" (TV set) near the place I am and knew they're broadcasting "Liar, Liar" again. I remembered the gagreel in the credits section and a funny joke at Jim Carrey's hamming expense.
The dialog is: Lawyer: - Now let's see. "Weight: 105" ?I always doubt about the meaning of "they're onto me". Most of the time I relate it with the Argentine expression "me tienen calado" meaning "they know me well/they discovered my trick, defect or weakness", some times I think it as "la/s tienen conmigo/contra mí", and now and then I imagine it being "se la toman conmigo/contra mí". What do you think? How can be translated all three expressions? [Please, correct "a discreción"]
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#2
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I always thought it was derived from a criminal being aware of police searching for a culprit, and realising they have worked out who did it and are closing in on him/her. i.e. They have found me out.
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#3
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Then, it would be something like "me tienen acorralado" or "me descubrieron", like "busted!" in a figurative sense.
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#4
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Yes, that is how I would understand it - they are onto my trail.
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#5
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That is definitely a phrase that would be used most "correctly" in a criminal sense, but is very commonly used for anything that is even mildly considered a secret.
I am behind in my teaching the first unit of my course, and my colleagues are onto me. My friend's son has been hiding candy in a little-used cupboard, but his parents are onto him now. I haven't told anyone that I was considering changing careers, but my friend Joe may be onto me because of something I said yesterday. ................
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- Lou Ann, de Washington, DC, USA Específicamente quiero recibir ayuda con el español de latinoamerica. ¡Muchísimas gracias! |
#6
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Quote:
También "están encima mío". |
#7
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Muchas gracias Perikles, Lou Ann y Chileno . Ahora me quedó claro.
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