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3. advance on

advance on

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advance (up)on someone or something

to move toward someone or something. (Typically in military maneuvers or in team sports, such as American football. Upon is more formal and less commonly used than on.) They advanced upon the town, firing their rifles and shouting.

See also: advance, on

advance on

or advance upon

v.

To move increasingly closer to someone or something: On the last lap of the race, I looked back and saw the other runners advancing on me. The army advanced upon the enemy's position.

See also: advance, on