latch on

latch on or hitch onto  {v.},  {informal}
1. To get hold of; grasp or grab; catch.
He looked for something to latch onto and keep from falling.
The football player latched onto a pass.
2.  {slang} To get into your possession.
The banker latched onto a thousand shares of stock.
3.  {slang} To understand.
The teacher explained the idea of jet engines until the students latched onto it.
Syn.: CATCH ON.
4.  {informal} To keep; to hold.
The poor woman latched onto the little money she had left.
5.  {slang} To stay with; not leave.
Marie and Dick wanted to go to the movies by themselves, but Mane's little brother latched onto them.
Categories: {informal} {slang} {v.}