ENGLISH
REFERENCE

roll up on

idiom
Meaning

To sneak up to (someone or something) with the intention of causing harm.


Origin

disputed origin

From roll up + on; semantically and morphologically parallel with roll up + to.

Examples
SIMPLE

He tried to roll up on me from behind.

CONTEXTUAL

The group saw the rival gang roll up on them in the dark parking lot.

COMPLEX

The security footage captured the masked intruders as they attempted to roll up on the unsuspecting guard near the warehouse entrance.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    call roll

    To make a roll call; to take attendance.

  2. 02

    dice roll

    Something unpredictable or unexpected.

  3. 03

    heads will roll

    Some people will be fired for incompetence.

  4. 04

    ready to roll

    Of a person, machine, vehicle, or plan, fully prepared to begin functioning and operating.

  5. 05

    roll back the years

    To produce a sense of nostalgia.

  6. 06

    roll in the aisles

    To laugh uproariously.

  7. 07

    roll in wealth

    To be very rich.

  8. 08

    roll of the dice

    A risky or uncertain attempt to do something, especially in an unfavourable situation.

Last updated April 17, 2026