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Glite Dictionary
to fasten on

to fasten on

1 6.5
To quickly accept an idea and focus on it
  • phrasal verb
  • /ˈfæsn ɑn/
translation icon : aferrarse a
  • The germ of success is to fasten on and continue one's work.
  • eyes fastened on

Examples

  • You've fastened on the concept that I approved of torture.

    Blog text (26)

  • His vision fastened on an area of calm.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • But their eyes were fastened on each other.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • All eyes were fastened on the prosecutor.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • People fastened on that and threw out the rest of her reasonable and reasoned points.

    Blog text (23)

  • Her quick eyes fastened on the heightened color of Annabelle's companion.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • Second, because I think it is a grave error to fasten on one theme and maintain that it explains everything, I want to make it clear that I am very well aware that exceptions do exist.

    Academic text (1999)

  • This is especially true if we fasten on imitation as the sole mechanism of memetic replication.

    Academic text (2001)

  • Conrad's eyes fastened on the most insignificant thing: Kenny's pale blond hair, wet, stringy, matted down, was already thinning badly in the crown.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • During the meeting, she quickly fastened on the idea of reducing costs as a priority.

Synonyms

to adopt
vsto fasten on
440 3.2

To start using a new idea, method, or policy

embraces ideas eagerly rather than just starting their use
to take up
vsto fasten on
224 3.4

To begin a job, activity, or hobby

grabs ideas eagerly and makes them part of plans rather than starting activities
to seize
vsto fasten on
68 3.8

Grab and hold someone's attention suddenly and strongly

is more about actively choosing and embracing ideas eagerly
to seize on
vsto fasten on
19 5.3

To quickly use an idea or chance to get an advantage

adopts ideas eagerly and personally rather than just exploiting chances
to latch onto
vsto fasten on
  • Informal
11 4.9

To become very interested in something and follow it closely

adopts ideas eagerly rather than gradually becoming attached
to latch on
vsto fasten on
  • Informal
4 4.9

To begin to understand an idea after not getting it at first

grabs ideas eagerly and quickly rather than after delayed understanding

Surface Forms

fasten on infinitive
fastened on past
fastened on past participle
fastening on present participle
fastens on third person singular

Morphology

fasten + on

The literal meanings 'fasten' (to attach or secure) + 'on' (onto) transparently suggest a metaphorical action of attaching oneself to or focusing on something, so learners could plausibly infer a sense like 'cling to' or 'seize upon.' However, the idiomatic nuance of eagerly adopting or taking up an idea is a metaphorical extension and not fully predictable from the parts without exposure, making it only partially transparent.

Etymology

Fasten on comes from the simple image of fasten + on, like clipping a badge or hook onto a coat so it stays attached. So when someone fastens on an idea they quickly 'attach' themselves to it and keep to that idea.