nudge(transitive ~ something (+ adv./prep.) to reach or make something reach a particular level Х Inflation is nudging 20%. Х This afternoon's sunshine could nudge the temperature above freezing. OALD Alexander Demidov)
be closer to understanding sth.(While in recent years science has made great strides in unraveling the workings of the physical human brain, today we are still no closer to understanding the nature of human consciousness. (unexplained-mysteries.com)ART Vancouver)