1 A2 informal
To approach someone silently and without warning, usually from behind, in order to startle them.
"Don't sneak up on me like that — you nearly gave me a heart attack!"
inseparable
sneak up
A2 informal inseparable intransitive
To approach someone quietly and without warning so as to surprise them.
In plain English
To walk very quietly toward someone so they don't hear you coming, usually to surprise them.
What does "sneak up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
Of something abstract: to arrive or happen gradually and without being noticed until it is already present.
"The deadline sneaked up on us while we were busy with other projects."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To move to a higher position or level quietly and without others noticing.
"The underdog team sneaked up the league table after a string of quiet wins."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To sneak (move secretly) while approaching from below or behind — largely transparent.
Actually means
To walk very quietly toward someone so they don't hear you coming, usually to surprise them.
Usage tip
Followed by 'on' when a person is specified: 'sneak up on someone.' Also used figuratively when something arrives or happens without warning (e.g. 'old age sneaks up on you').
Words that pair with "sneak up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
on someone from behind quietly unnoticed by surprise
How to conjugate "sneak up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sneak up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sneaks up
he/she/it
Past simple
sneaked up
yesterday
Past participle
sneaked up
have + pp
-ing form
sneaking up
continuous
Hear "sneak up" in the wild
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