creep up
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To slowly go higher or get bigger little by little, so you almost don't notice.
Literal meaning: To creep means to move very slowly; 'up' indicates upward direction — something moving upward very gradually.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To increase gradually and almost imperceptibly over time.
"Inflation has been creeping up steadily for the past six months."
Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral
To move towards someone or something slowly and quietly.
"The cat crept up slowly, eyes fixed on the unsuspecting bird."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Frequently used in news and financial reporting about prices, temperatures, or statistics. Also used for physical movement. Often implies the increase is unwanted or concerning.
Commonly used with
prices temperatures rates costs levels numbers
Forms
Base
creep up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
creeps up
he/she/it
Past simple
creeped up
yesterday
Past participle
creeped up
have + pp
-ing form
creeping up
continuous
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Synonyms
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