Phrasal verb
fasten onto
Definition
phrasal verb. to become very interested in an idea or person, often because you think they will be useful to you.
phrasal verb. to attach oneself to an idea, person, or theory with great interest or persistence; often implies a sudden or opportunistic focus.
Examples
“The media will fasten onto any small mistake he makes.”
“She fastened onto the idea of moving to Italy after seeing just one travel documentary.”
“The opposition party was quick to fasten onto the latest economic figures as evidence of the government's failure.”
Examples
simple
“The media will fasten onto any small mistake he makes.”
contextual
“She fastened onto the idea of moving to Italy after seeing just one travel documentary.”
complex
“The opposition party was quick to fasten onto the latest economic figures as evidence of the government's failure.”
Usage
usually followed by an object representing an idea, a person, or a specific detail.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'latch onto', which is more common in casual speech; 'fasten onto' sounds slightly more deliberate or formal.
Pitfall
He fastened at the idea.
He fastened onto the idea.
the phrasal verb requires the particle 'onto' to show the direction of the focus.
Phrasal verb
Particles
onto
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
fasten + onto + object