run up on
The phrase "run up on" is often used in informal contexts to describe a sudden and often aggressive approach toward someone.
Definition
B2Interpersonal
(informal, slang)To approach someone quickly and unexpectedly, usually with the intent to confront or attack.
Example
- He ran up on his rival in the parking lot, ready for a fight.
B2Financial
(informal)To accumulate or incur costs or debts rapidly.
Example
- She ran up on her credit card bill during the holiday season.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "run up on":
run uprun intocome up torun in withride up onsneak upcome uponrun into onehit up againstrun overhit uprun off onbump intotake a run atrun out oncome upget the drop onrun afoul ofcome upon the towncome on torun acrossfront upcome up and bitefetch uprun torun behindcome runningcome acrossget up inrun inrun afterrun downbeat up onget on uprun aboutcome atchase downhit uponjump uphem uprun pastmove in onrun aheadrun againstset uponrun throughcharge downgun uprub up againstcatch up