What does "creep up on" mean (sense 1)?

To move towards a person or animal slowly and quietly, hoping not to be noticed. Example: "He crept up on his sister and shouted 'boo' to make her jump."

What does "creep up on" mean (sense 2)?

For something unpleasant or surprising to develop so gradually that you do not notice it until it is already there. Example: "Old age has a way of creeping up on you — one day you realise you can't do what you used to."

What does "creep up on" mean (sense 3)?

For a deadline, event, or obligation to arrive sooner than expected because time passed unnoticed. Example: "The exam date crept up on everyone — suddenly it was only a week away."

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creep up on

B1 neutral inseparable transitive

To approach someone or something slowly and quietly so as not to be noticed; or for something to happen so gradually that you are not aware of it until it has already occurred.

In plain English

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

What does "creep up on" mean?

3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 A2 neutral

common

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."

inseparable

2 B1 idiomatic neutral

common

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."

inseparable

3 B1 idiomatic neutral

common

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."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

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

Actually means

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

Usage tip

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.

Words that pair with "creep up on"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

old age tiredness success deadline fear enemy

How to conjugate "creep up on"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

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

Hear "creep up on" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "creep up on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "creep up on"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

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

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.

All phrasal verbs with "creep" All phrasal verbs with "up" More B1-level phrasal verbs