Moving or Positioning: English Vocabulary List

to move slowly and gradually toward someone or something without being noticed

"The cat creeps up on mouse."

"The stealthy predator began to creep up on its unsuspecting prey, moving silently through the tall grass."

to position one's body like a ball with one's arms and legs placed close to one's body while sitting

"The cat curls up by the fire."

"The cat likes to curl up on the warm blanket near the fireplace during cold winter nights."

to bend something to make it smaller or more compact

"Fold up the map after using it."

"You should fold up the map carefully after you finish using it so that it does not get torn or wrinkled."

to hide and stay in a place to avoid being noticed or disturbed

"The fugitive holes up in a cabin."

"The fugitive decided to hole up in an abandoned cabin in the woods until the police stopped searching for him."

to fold something into a tube-like shape

"Roll up the poster for storage."

"Please roll up the yoga mat tightly after you finish your exercises so it fits easily into your bag."

to neatly arrange objects, usually in a vertical arrangement, forming piles

"Stack up the dishes after washing."

"The boxes began to stack up in the hallway because no one had taken them down to the basement for storage."

to collectively move closer together, typically by adjusting one's position, to create more space

"Squash up to make more room."

"The children squashed up against the window to get a better view of the parade as it passed by."

to correct one's posture or position to become more upright

"Straighten up your back."

"You need to straighten up your room before your grandparents arrive for their visit because it is very messy."

to move toward someone, usually in order to talk to them

"He will come up."

"A stranger suddenly came up to me on the street and asked for directions."

to get on our feet and stand up

"Please get up now."

"It is very difficult for me to get up early on cold winter mornings because my bed feels so warm and comfortable."

to place something somewhere noticeable

"Put up the picture."

"The building owners decided to put up a new fence around the property for additional security."

to arrive at an event or appointment where one is expected

"He shows up late for work."

"The famous actor did not show up for the interview and the reporters were very disappointed and angry."

to change one's position from a lying position into an upright one

"Please sit up straight."

"The doctor advised the patient to sit up slowly after the surgery to avoid dizziness."

to rise to a standing position from a seated or lying position

"He will stand up soon."

"The entire audience was asked to stand up to honor the distinguished guest speaker."

to prepare one's body for exercising or playing sports with gentle stretches and exercises

"We must warm up first."

"Athletes should always warm up properly before engaging in strenuous physical activity."