Sneak up

verb

To move quietly and slowly towards someone or something in order not to be noticed.

I didn't notice the dog until it sneaked up behind me.
Visual representation of "sneak up" - To move quietly and slowly towards someone or something in order not to be noticed.

Often appears as...

  • sneak up behind
  • sneak up on you

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To suddenly happen or become noticeable when you were not expecting it.

The deadline sneaked up on us and we had to rush to finish the job.
Visual representation of "sneak up" - To suddenly happen or become noticeable when you were not expecting it.

Often appears as...

  • sneak up on us
  • deadline sneaked up

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To move quietly and slowly towards someone or something in order not to be noticed.

I didn't notice the dog until it sneaked up behind me.
Visual representation of "sneak up" - To move quietly and slowly towards someone or something in order not to be noticed.

Often appears as...

  • sneak up behind
  • sneak up on you

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To suddenly happen or become noticeable when you were not expecting it.

The deadline sneaked up on us and we had to rush to finish the job.
Visual representation of "sneak up" - To suddenly happen or become noticeable when you were not expecting it.

Often appears as...

  • sneak up on us
  • deadline sneaked up

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "sneak up"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Stealthy Approach

Used when someone wants to approach without being detected, often for a surprise or a prank.

Illustration for Stealthy Approach
He sneaked up to the birthday girl to surprise her with a gift.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Quiet Movement

Emphasizes the need to be silent and careful to avoid making noise that could attract attention.

Illustration for Quiet Movement
The cat sneaked up on the unsuspecting bird.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Tense Atmosphere

Often used in stories or films to build suspense, indicating a possible threat or danger.

Illustration for Tense Atmosphere
In the movie, the villain sneaked up on the hero in the dark alley.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Stealthy Approach

Used when someone wants to approach without being detected, often for a surprise or a prank.

Illustration for Stealthy Approach
He sneaked up to the birthday girl to surprise her with a gift.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Quiet Movement

Emphasizes the need to be silent and careful to avoid making noise that could attract attention.

Illustration for Quiet Movement
The cat sneaked up on the unsuspecting bird.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Tense Atmosphere

Often used in stories or films to build suspense, indicating a possible threat or danger.

Illustration for Tense Atmosphere
In the movie, the villain sneaked up on the hero in the dark alley.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Stealthy Approach

Used when someone wants to approach without being detected, often for a surprise or a prank.

Illustration for Stealthy Approach
He sneaked up to the birthday girl to surprise her with a gift.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Quiet Movement

Emphasizes the need to be silent and careful to avoid making noise that could attract attention.

Illustration for Quiet Movement
The cat sneaked up on the unsuspecting bird.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Tense Atmosphere

Often used in stories or films to build suspense, indicating a possible threat or danger.

Illustration for Tense Atmosphere
In the movie, the villain sneaked up on the hero in the dark alley.
Visual representation of the word "Sneak up"

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