Phrase guide

tick over

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

to idle (to run at a slow speed, or out of gear).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To run smoothly and without problems.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Qualifier: of

Examples

  • While the boss was on holiday, the deputy made sure things were ticking over in the firm.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

run disconnected or idle

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • the engine is idling

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: idle

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.