be wise to (someone or something)

be wise to (someone or something)

To be fully aware or cognizant of someone or something, especially if it is suspicious, illegal, or malicious in nature or intention. We'd better watch our step—I think the police are wise to us! I'm wise to your scheme, and I'll find a way to make sure you can never put it into action! Now that I've been teaching for a few years, I'm wise to kids who try to cheat on their tests.

See also: to, wise

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

be/get ˈwise to somebody/something

(informal) be/become aware of something or aware of somebody’s (usually bad) behaviour: When did you first get wise to what was happening? ♢ He thought he could fool me but I’m wise to him.

See also: get, somebody, something, to, wise

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017