The phrase "was on to" is often used to indicate that someone has discovered or become aware of something, but it can be helpful to have synonyms to vary your writing and avoid repetition. Some potential alternatives include "figured out," "caught on," "sussed out," "discovered," "realized," "uncovered," "detected," "noted," "picked up on," and "became cognizant of." Depending on the context, you might also consider phrases like "understood," "got wind of," "became privy to," or "gained knowledge of." By using different synonyms for "was on to," you can add nuance and detail to your writing.