ENGLISH
REFERENCE

edge up

phr. v..
C1 Advanced Oxford

phr. v.. to increase slowly and gradually over time.

phr. v.. to move upward by small degrees; typically used in financial or statistical contexts to describe incremental growth in prices, rates, or percentages.


SIMPLE

The price of milk continues to edge up every month.

CONTEXTUAL

Investors watched closely as interest rates began to edge up after a long period of stability.

COMPLEX

Despite the government's efforts to curb inflation, the cost of living has continued to edge up, putting pressure on low-income households.

Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
edge + up
Usage

Usually used with uncountable nouns like prices, costs, or percentages.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'soar' or 'rocket' to show the difference in speed; 'edge up' implies a slow, cautious, or creeping movement.

Pitfall

The prices edged up the market.The prices edged up.in this sense, 'edge up' is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

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