1 B1 idiomatic neutral
For clothing to move upward unintentionally, out of its intended position on the body.
"Her dress kept riding up as she walked, so she kept pulling it back down."
inseparable
ride up
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
For clothing to move upward out of position on the body; or to approach a place by riding.
In plain English
When your shirt or skirt creeps upward on its own while you move, or when you arrive somewhere by riding.
What does "ride up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To approach a place or person on horseback, motorcycle, or bicycle.
"A stranger rode up to the gate and asked to speak with the owner."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To ride upward toward a place.
Actually means
When your shirt or skirt creeps upward on its own while you move, or when you arrive somewhere by riding.
Usage tip
The clothing sense is very common in everyday conversation and is the primary modern use. The literal 'approach by riding' sense is used in historical, equestrian, or Western contexts.
Words that pair with "ride up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
skirt shirt trousers dress sleeve hem
How to conjugate "ride up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ride up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rides up
he/she/it
Past simple
rode up
yesterday
Past participle
ridden up
have + pp
-ing form
riding up
continuous
Hear "ride up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "ride up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "ride up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.