Spiral upward
verb
To rise or increase rapidly in a manner resembling the path of a spiral.
The cost of production started to spiral upward due to the increase in raw material prices.
Often appears as...
- prices spiral upward
- costs spiral upward
verb
To move upward in a swirling, circular motion.
The helicopter began to spiral upward after gaining enough momentum.
Often appears as...
- spiral upward into the sky
- spiral upward into the clouds
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To rise or increase rapidly in a manner resembling the path of a spiral.
The cost of production started to spiral upward due to the increase in raw material prices.
Often appears as...
- prices spiral upward
- costs spiral upward
verb
To move upward in a swirling, circular motion.
The helicopter began to spiral upward after gaining enough momentum.
Often appears as...
- spiral upward into the sky
- spiral upward into the clouds
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to describe quick, positive progression or success in various contexts.
Her career began to spiral upward after the promotion.
Pro Tip 2/3Economic Context
Commonly used to talk about increasing figures, like prices or costs, in business and economy.
The housing market saw prices spiral upward this quarter.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Imagery
Invokes the image of a rising spiral to emphasize the speed and intensity of the increase.
Sales figures are spiraling upward like a tornado.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to describe quick, positive progression or success in various contexts.
Her career began to spiral upward after the promotion.
Pro Tip 2/3Economic Context
Commonly used to talk about increasing figures, like prices or costs, in business and economy.
The housing market saw prices spiral upward this quarter.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Imagery
Invokes the image of a rising spiral to emphasize the speed and intensity of the increase.
Sales figures are spiraling upward like a tornado.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to describe quick, positive progression or success in various contexts.
Her career began to spiral upward after the promotion.
Pro Tip 2/3Economic Context
Commonly used to talk about increasing figures, like prices or costs, in business and economy.
The housing market saw prices spiral upward this quarter.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Imagery
Invokes the image of a rising spiral to emphasize the speed and intensity of the increase.
Sales figures are spiraling upward like a tornado.
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