What are the definitions of “sidle up to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Approach someone discreetly.
He SIDLED UP TO me and whispered his name.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sidle up to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sidle up to is to approach someone discreetly or quietly, often with a specific intention or purpose. This can be used to describe someone moving closer to another person in a subtle or sneaky manner.
What are the different verb forms of “sidle up to”?
| Root Verb | sidle up to |
| Third Person Singular Present | sidles up to |
| Present Participle | sidling up to |
| Simple Past | sidled up to |
| Past Participle | sidled up to |
Example
She sidled up to her friend to share a secret.
Example
He sidles up to the bar to order a drink.
Example
The cat is sidling up to its owner for attention.
Example
The stranger sidled up to me and asked for directions.
Example
She had sidled up to the group to join their conversation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sidle up to”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“sidle up to” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The dog sidled up to its owner.
Example
She sidled up to her friend to share a secret.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“sidle up to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The dog sidled up to its owner.
Example
She sidled up to her friend to share a secret.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sidle up to”?
Sidle up to someone
Approach someone discreetly, often with a specific intention or purpose.
Example
The salesman sidled up to the customer, hoping to make a sale.
Good things to know
Does “sidle up to” have an informal or formal tone?
Sidle up to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “sidle up to”?
Synonyms
- approach
- edge closer
- sneak up
- move near
- creep up
- inch closer
Antonyms
- move away
- retreat
- back off
- withdraw
- distance oneself
