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sneak up

A2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To walk very quietly toward someone so they don't hear you coming, usually to surprise them.

Literal meaning: To sneak (move secretly) while approaching from below or behind — largely transparent.

Meanings

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!"

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: 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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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').

Commonly used with

on someone from behind quietly unnoticed by surprise

Forms

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

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Synonyms

creep up on steal up on come up from behind approach stealthily tiptoe up

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