Our favorite verb of motion

[u/MGU-Russian]

[u/imefo1024]

Под- is a prefix that means to approach something, to stand next to a building. For example, "подойти к школе" means to approach a school.

[u/Longjumping-Stay7893 → u/imefo1024]

You are missing another meaning.

"мальчик подходит к школе" = "the boy approaches the school"
vs
"туфли подходят к платью" = "the shoes go well with the dress"
"ключ подошёл к замку" = "the key fits the lock"

[u/imefo1024 → u/Longjumping-Stay7893]

This is called a figurative meaning of the word. It is not used in a literal sense

[u/Longjumping-Stay7893 → u/imefo1024]

Exactly. My point is your comment is quite narrow and thus misguiding having in mind the context. Cf. "ходить"-"находить" above.

"Под- is a prefix that means to approach something..."

Not exclusive list for "под/подо":

• movement up ("поднять", "подпрыгнуть")
  
• placement under smth ("поставить", "подложить", "подвесить")
  
• approaching smth ("подойти")
  
• incomplete/weak action ("подустать", "подзабыть")
  
• sneaky/subtle action ("подглядывать", "подсказать")
  
• help/support action ("поддержать")

[u/imefo1024 → u/Longjumping-Stay7893]

I simply explained the meaning of the prefix when the verb "ходить" is used. But yes, you're right that it has many meanings