creep across (something)
To move slowly, and often stealthily, across a particular area or surface. The robber crept across the lawn and then opened a window to get into the house. When I saw the bee creeping across the windowsill, I bolted out of the room. The sunlight crept across my face and woke me up.
creep along (something)
To move slowly, and often stealthily, across a particular area or surface. The robber crept along the walkway and then opened a window to get into the house. When I saw the bee creeping along the windowsill, I bolted out of the room. Don't worry, it's just a ladybug creeping along the deck.
creep away
To move slowly, and often stealthily, away from someone or something. I froze when I saw the bee on the windowsill, but luckily, it crept away. I crept away after stealing the cookies off the counter. I was going to get a snack in the kitchen, but once I heard Mom and Dad arguing in there, I turned around and crept away.
creep by
To move slowly, as of time. Time feels like it's just creeping by in that class because it's so boring. Why is it that the weekends fly by and the workdays creep by? A: "Ugh, time always creeps by when I'm in the screenprinting studio." B: "Hmm, maybe this isn't the hobby for you then."
creep in
To enter some thing, place, or situation slowly or stealthily. I may have allowed my personal feelings to creep in when I gave that job to my brother. Luckily, Mom didn't hear us last night when we crept in after curfew. I know it's nerve-wracking, but you can't let fear creep in when you're up to bat.
creep into (some place)
To enter some place stealthily. I'll watch the door while you creep into the lab and steal the poison. That possum must have crept into the basement while the door was open. You distract them at the desk, and I'll creep into the back where the safe is.
creep on (someone or something)
slang To observe, investigate, or become overly familiar with someone or their personal matters in an intrusive or undesirable manner. I felt a little weird creeping on all his social media posts like that, but I wanted to know what he was like was before going on a date with him. Some guy in the corner has been creeping on us all night long. Let's go ask the bouncer to deal with him. I didn't mean to creep on her SpaceBook page so much—I just wanted to know more about her because I thought she was really cute.
creep out
1. To exit slowly and often stealthily. The cat crept out from under the bush to see if the dog was gone. You keep the people at the front desk distracted, and I'll creep out from the back room with the money. I nearly jumped out my skin with a raccoon crept out from underneath the porch.
2. slang To make someone feel uneasy. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is commonly used between "creep" and "out." I'm OK with most bugs, but centipedes just creep me out, man. That guy in the corner was really creeping us out, so we decided to leave. I think I speak for most women when I say that we do not want strangers to flirt with us on public transportation. It just creeps us out.
creep over (someone or something)
To move slowly, and often stealthily, across a particular area or surface. The sunlight crept over my face and woke me up. When I saw the bee creeping over my textbook, I leapt from my seat. We snuck in after curfew last night. Thank goodness Mom didn't hear us creeping over the creaky old stairs!
creep under (something)
To move slowly, and often stealthily, under something. The cat crept under the bush and stayed there until the dog was gone. When I saw the bee creeping under my textbook, I leapt from my seat. I froze in horror when I saw a skunk creep under our front porch.
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.
creep up on (someone or something)
1. To approach someone or something slowly and often stealthily. I crept up on my brother from behind and startled him. Ah, you scared me! Don't creep up on me 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.
creeping crud
An unknown or unidentified illness, often a rash. I think you better get that creeping crud checked out by a doctor—it's not looking so good. You know that creeping crud I had on my arm? Turns out it was just contact dermatitis. OK, let's not panic and assume this creeping crud you've got is some flesh-eating bacteria.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
creep away
to travel away slowly and carefully; to sneak away. The boys were completely ashamed and crept away. The cat crept away quietly.
creep by
Fig. [for time] to pass slowly. The minutes crept by as I awaited Mrs. Barron's telephone call. I know the days will creep by until we finally get our test results.
creep in (to something)
to go into something or a place slowly and carefully; to sneak into something or a place. The cat crept into the bedroom. Max planned to creep into the house and take cash and jewelry.
creep out
(from under someone or something) Go to out (from under someone or something).
creep out (of something)
to go out of something or a place slowly and carefully; to sneak out of something or a place. A little mouse crept out of the cupboard. The fox crept out of the henhouse, carrying a chicken.
creep up
[for darkness] to move gradually and slowly [toward someone or something]. Dusk crept up and swallowed us in darkness.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.