Idioms

creep up

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creep up

1. To approach someone or something slowly and often stealthily. I crept up behind my brother and startled him. Ah, you scared me! What are you doing, creeping up out of nowhere like that? You creep up on Bill and put the "Kick me!" sign on his back.
2. To encroach (upon one or something) gradually over time. It wasn't until I sat down that I realized how much exhaustion had crept up on me. The weeds have been really creeping up on the edge of the yard over the last few years. Aw man, my wife's birthday crept up on me this year. I just realized that it's Friday and I have nothing for her.
See also: creep, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

creep up

[for darkness] to move gradually and slowly [toward someone or something]. Dusk crept up and swallowed us in darkness.
See also: creep, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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