latch on

phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on

Meanings

1

Attach yourself firmly to someone or something

Surfaceuncommon

Why “on”? Something touches, grips, or sticks to a surface.

The toddler latched on to my leg.
The toddler attached himself firmly to my leg and wouldn't let go.
The puppy latched on to the blanket.
The puppy attached itself firmly to the blanket and wouldn't let go.

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