# creep out on

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/creep-out-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to move slowly and quietly toward someone or something without being seen.

For teachers: to approach a target stealthily and cautiously, typically to avoid detection or to surprise; often used in hunting or tactical contexts.

## Examples

- The cat started to creep out on the bird.
- The hunters began to creep out on the deer as it grazed in the clearing.
- Under the cover of the dense morning fog, the scouts began to creep out on the enemy camp to gather intelligence.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He creeped out on the target." but "He crept out on the target." — the past tense of 'creep' is the irregular form 'crept'.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a person or animal as the object.
- Teaching tip: this is a rare extension of 'creep up on'; emphasize that 'out' implies moving from a covered position into an open space toward the target.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.