tick over

Frequency: 6.25.8 per million words

of an engine, to run slowly in neutral; of a business or system, to continue working at a basic level

tickPHRASAL VERB

Categories:

over

Examples (10)

  • The business is ticking over nicely at the moment.
  • Morrison had kept things ticking over in my absence.
  • The old car engine just managed to tick over through the winter.
  • Even with reduced staff, the department continued to tick over.
  • After repairs, the machinery began to tick over smoothly again.
  • We just need to keep the project ticking over until the new funding arrives.
  • The small shop has been ticking over for decades, serving the local community.
  • His heart was barely ticking over when they found him.
  • During the quiet season, the restaurant only needs to tick over.
  • Can you leave the engine to tick over for a few minutes?