Tick over
verb
To run smoothly, without any hitches.
The factory has been ticking over nicely since we fixed the machines.
Often appears as...
- engine is ticking over
- business ticking over
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To pass time in a relaxed way while waiting for something to happen.
He was just ticking over until his friends arrived at the party.
Often appears as...
- just ticking over
- ticking over until
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To keep something functioning at the most basic level.
They are merely ticking over until new management comes in.
Often appears as...
- just ticking over
- ticking over until
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To run smoothly, without any hitches.
The factory has been ticking over nicely since we fixed the machines.
Often appears as...
- engine is ticking over
- business ticking over
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To pass time in a relaxed way while waiting for something to happen.
He was just ticking over until his friends arrived at the party.
Often appears as...
- just ticking over
- ticking over until
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To keep something functioning at the most basic level.
They are merely ticking over until new management comes in.
Often appears as...
- just ticking over
- ticking over until
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Steady Functioning
Describes consistent performance, suggesting reliability without rapid growth or decline.
Despite economic fluctuations, our shop is still ticking over.
Pro Tip 2/3Low Activity
Refers to minimal activity, enough to stay operational but not busy or thriving.
Business is slow, but we're ticking over.
Pro Tip 3/3Automatic Mode
Implies a routine state with little need for intervention.
With the new software, the office work ticks over by itself.
Pro Tip 1/3Steady Functioning
Describes consistent performance, suggesting reliability without rapid growth or decline.
Despite economic fluctuations, our shop is still ticking over.
Pro Tip 2/3Low Activity
Refers to minimal activity, enough to stay operational but not busy or thriving.
Business is slow, but we're ticking over.
Pro Tip 3/3Automatic Mode
Implies a routine state with little need for intervention.
With the new software, the office work ticks over by itself.
Pro Tip 1/3Steady Functioning
Describes consistent performance, suggesting reliability without rapid growth or decline.
Despite economic fluctuations, our shop is still ticking over.
Pro Tip 2/3Low Activity
Refers to minimal activity, enough to stay operational but not busy or thriving.
Business is slow, but we're ticking over.
Pro Tip 3/3Automatic Mode
Implies a routine state with little need for intervention.
With the new software, the office work ticks over by itself.
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