Pronunciation: [kɹˈiːp bˈa͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The phrase "creep by" is spelled with the vowel sound /i/ in both words. This sound is represented by the IPA symbol /i/ and is pronounced with the tongue high and forward in the mouth. The consonants in the word are also important to note, with the "c" being pronounced as /k/ and the "p" as /p/. When pronounced in full, the word conveys a sense of moving slowly and cautiously, as if trying to go unnoticed.
The phrase "creep by" is an idiomatic expression often used in informal contexts to describe the act of advancing or moving slowly, discreetly, or stealthily. It can be used both literally and figuratively, depending on the context in which it is employed.
In the literal sense, "creep by" refers to the action of carefully moving past someone or something, typically with the intention of avoiding detection or interruption. For instance, one may "creep by" a sleeping dog to avoid waking it or "creep by" a person engrossed in a book to avoid disturbing them.
In a figurative sense, "creep by" is often used to convey the idea of accomplishing something with minimal attention or effort, often unnoticed or inconspicuously. For example, one may "creep by" a difficult exam by answering just enough questions to pass or "creep by" a strict deadline by submitting incomplete work.
The term can also be employed to describe a sluggish or gradual progression of time, suggesting that it seems to pass by slowly or almost imperceptibly. For instance, one might say that the hours "creep by" during a boring lecture or that the weeks "creep by" when waiting for an important event.
Overall, "creep by" encompasses the notions of slow advancement, stealthy movement, inconspicuous progress, or the perceptual slowing down of time. Its contextual usage varies widely, but the phrase commonly implies a sense of cautiousness, inconspicuousness, or unobserved forward motion.
The phrase "creep by" originates from the Old English word "creopan", which means "to crawl or creep". The word gradually evolved over time and has been used in various contexts. In the figurative sense, "creep by" means to pass by unnoticed or to proceed slowly and cautiously. The term "creep" implies a quiet and stealthy movement, while "by" indicates passing something or someone. Therefore, "creep by" suggests a discrete or inconspicuous act of passing or progressing.
