be wise to

Variant of wise

wise definition

wise (wīz)

adjective wiser wis′er, wisest wis′·est

  1. having or showing good judgment; sagacious; prudent
  2. prompted by wisdom; judicious; sound a wise saying, wise action
  3. having information; informed none the wiser
  4. learned; erudite
  5. shrewd; crafty; cunning
  6. Now Dial. having knowledge of black magic, etc.
  7. ☆ Slang
    1. annoyingly self-assured, knowing, conceited, etc.
    2. impudent; fresh

Etymology: ME wis < OE, akin to witan, to know, OHG wis, MDu wijs < PGmc *wisa-, wise < IE *weid- < base *w(e)di-, to see, know > Sans vēdas, knowledge, Gr idris, knowing, L videre, to see

Related Forms:

wise Idioms

be (or get) wise to

☆
Slang to be (or become) aware of; have (or attain) a proper understanding of

get wise

☆ Slang
  1. to become aware of the true facts or circumstances
  2. to become impudent

put someone wise (to)

☆
Slang to give someone information, an explanation, etc. (about); enlighten someone (concerning)

wise up

☆
Slang to make or become informed, insightful, etc.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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