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Difference between On at someone and On to someone

on at someone—(coll.) nagging smb. persistently; trying to persuade a person to do smth.:

  • His wife’s forever on at him to do something about the fence.

on to someone

1. = on at someone:

  • She’s been on to me to buy her a new coat for a year.

2. aware of smb.’s true nature:

  • You want people to think you’re just some sportswriter, but I am on to you now.

3. (Police) in hot pursuit of a wrongdoer:

  • The police are on to the men responsible for that break-in.