to creep up on
[phrase form: creep]
01
こっそり近づく, 忍び寄る
to move slowly and gradually toward someone or something without being noticed
例
The mischievous kids crept up on their sleeping friend, to scare him by hiding in the shadows and waiting for the perfect moment.
いたずら好きな子供たちは、眠っている友達にこっそり近づき、影に隠れて完璧な瞬間を待つことで彼を驚かせようとした。
02
気づかないうちに近づく, 予期せずにやって来る
(of a date or an event) to come or happen sooner than one was expecting
例
The due date for the college application crept up on the high school seniors, prompting a flurry of activity in the final weeks.
大学出願の締め切りが高校の上級生に忍び寄り、最後の数週間で活動が急増した。
03
徐々に感じ始める, 次第にはっきりと感じるようになる
to gradually experience a feeling, state, etc. in a more clear and noticeable manner
例
As he celebrated his 40th birthday, the awareness of getting older crept up on him, and he reflected on the passing of time.
40歳の誕生日を祝っていると、年を取ることへの自覚がじわりと彼に迫り、彼は時の流れについて考えた。
