# edge up

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/edge-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to increase slowly and gradually over time.

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

## Examples

- The price of milk continues to edge up every month.
- Investors watched closely as interest rates began to edge up after a long period of stability.
- Despite the government's efforts to curb inflation, the cost of living has continued to edge up, putting pressure on low-income households.

## Pitfalls

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

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.