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creep up on

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To quietly move close to someone before they notice you, or for something to happen slowly and surprise you.

Literal meaning: To creep (move silently on all fours) upward toward a target — like an animal stalking prey.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To move towards a person or animal slowly and quietly, hoping not to be noticed.

"He crept up on his sister and shouted 'boo' to make her jump."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

For something unpleasant or surprising to develop so gradually that you do not notice it until it is already there.

"Old age has a way of creeping up on you — one day you realise you can't do what you used to."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral

For a deadline, event, or obligation to arrive sooner than expected because time passed unnoticed.

"The exam date crept up on everyone — suddenly it was only a week away."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used both literally (a person or animal approaching stealthily) and figuratively (age, fatigue, or a problem developing without notice). Very common in everyday English. The figurative use is especially popular.

Commonly used with

old age tiredness success deadline fear enemy

Forms

Base
creep up on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
creeps up on
he/she/it
Past simple
creeped up on
yesterday
Past participle
creeped up on
have + pp
-ing form
creeping up on
continuous

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Synonyms

sneak up on steal up on approach stealthily catch unawares surprise come upon gradually

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