Creep in
verb
To slowly become noticeable or affect something, often in a harmful way.
Gradually, mistakes began to creep in, reducing the accuracy of their work.
Often appears as...
- mistakes creep in
- errors creep in
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To move or go somewhere very slowly or quietly, often not to be noticed.
He crept in so as not to wake his sleeping baby.
Often appears as...
- creep in quietly
- creep in unnoticed
verb
To slowly become noticeable or affect something, often in a harmful way.
Gradually, mistakes began to creep in, reducing the accuracy of their work.
Often appears as...
- mistakes creep in
- errors creep in
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To move or go somewhere very slowly or quietly, often not to be noticed.
He crept in so as not to wake his sleeping baby.
Often appears as...
- creep in quietly
- creep in unnoticed
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Nuance
Often implies a gradual negative impact, suggesting deterioration or unwanted change.
Laziness started to creep in among the team members.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Changes
Used when changes happen so slowly they're barely noticed until they're significant.
Complacency can creep in if you're not constantly challenging yourself.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Shift
Can describe slow changes in feelings or attitudes, often without realization.
As the conversation went on, unease began to creep in.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Nuance
Often implies a gradual negative impact, suggesting deterioration or unwanted change.
Laziness started to creep in among the team members.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Changes
Used when changes happen so slowly they're barely noticed until they're significant.
Complacency can creep in if you're not constantly challenging yourself.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Shift
Can describe slow changes in feelings or attitudes, often without realization.
As the conversation went on, unease began to creep in.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Nuance
Often implies a gradual negative impact, suggesting deterioration or unwanted change.
Laziness started to creep in among the team members.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Changes
Used when changes happen so slowly they're barely noticed until they're significant.
Complacency can creep in if you're not constantly challenging yourself.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Shift
Can describe slow changes in feelings or attitudes, often without realization.
As the conversation went on, unease began to creep in.
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