tick

to mark an item on a list to show that it has been dealt with

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

to maintain a business or system at a basic, operational level, especially during a quiet period or an absence

used to indicate that time is passing, especially when there is a limited amount of it

describes a clock making a loud ticking sound

used in instructions to mean 'just put a mark (✓)'

to acknowledge or complete an item on a mental list

describes a clock ticking continuously, often creating a sense of pressure or inevitability

indicates that a business or system is functioning well and smoothly at a steady, basic level

used to emphasize that an engine or process continues to run at a basic level