crept in

Definitions

• to enter stealthily or unnoticed
  Describing someone or something that has entered a place quietly or without being noticed

• to gradually become a part of something
  Referring to something that has become a part of a situation or system slowly and often unnoticed

Examples of crept in

• The deadline crept in on me unexpectedly.

  In this example, "crawled in" is being used figuratively to mean "approached suddenly or unexpectedly." The writer is saying that the deadline, which was not immediately obvious or pressing, suddenly appeared and caught the writer off guard.

• Fear crept into her mind as she walked down the dark alley.

  In this example, "crawled into" is being used to describe the gradual and subtle way in which fear enters the mind. The writer is saying that as the protagonist walked down the dark alley, her mind became increasingly consumed by fear, which crept in slowly and insidiously.

• The idea of quitting her job crept into her mind as she faced yet another round of layoffs.

  In this example, "crawled into" is being used to describe the way in which an idea gradually and subtly enters the mind. The writer is saying that as the protagonist faced yet another round of layoffs, the idea of quitting her job began to take root in her mind, creeping in slowly and insidiously.

• The smell of freshly baked bread crept into the kitchen as she opened the door.

  In this example, "crawled into" is being used to describe the way in which a smell gradually and subtly enters a space. The writer is saying that as the protagonist opened the door, the aroma of freshly baked bread entered the kitchen, creeping in slowly and insidiously.

• The cold weather crept in unexpectedly.

  In this example, the phrase "crept in" is being used to describe the unexpected arrival of cold weather. It's as if the cold weather is creeping in unnoticed, perhaps through small gaps in the windows or doors.

• Fear crept in as the storm approached.

  Here, "crept in" is being used to explain how fear gradually made its way into the speaker's mind as the storm approached. It might have started off as a small hint of apprehension, but as the storm got closer, the fear grew stronger.

• The deadline crept in suddenly.

  In this example, "crept in" is being used to describe the sudden realization that the deadline is approaching more quickly than anticipated. It might have seemed like there was plenty of time to complete the task, but suddenly, the deadline is hovering over the horizon.

• The feeling of nostalgia crept in as soon as I saw the old photo.

  In this final example, "crept in" is being used in a different context. Here, it is describing the way that nostalgia entered the speaker's mind as soon as they saw the old photo. It might have been a soft, subtle feeling at first, but it quickly grew stronger as memories flooded back.

Conclusion

The idiom "crept in" can be used to describe someone or something entering quietly or gradually becoming a part of something. It can be used in various contexts to convey the idea of stealthy entry or gradual integration.

Origin of "crept in"

The origin of the idiom "crept in" can be traced back to the literal meaning of the word "crept," which refers to the action of moving quietly and slowly in a stealthy manner. Over time, this literal meaning evolved to be used figuratively to describe the gradual and unnoticed entry or integration of something into a situation or system. The idiom has become a common phrase in the English language, used to convey the idea of something happening quietly or gradually. For example, it can be used to describe how a new idea or concept becomes a part of a culture or how a person enters a room without being noticed. The idiom "crept in" has become a versatile expression that captures the idea of quiet or gradual entry or integration.