creep up on
phrasal verbcreep up on somebody
- to move slowly nearer to somebody, usually from behind, without being seen or heard
- Don't creep up on me like that!
- The cat quietly crept up on the pigeon.
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- to begin to affect somebody, especially before they realize it
- Tiredness can easily creep up on you while you're driving.
- Fatigue was creeping up on him.