1 B1 neutral
For an engine to run slowly at its minimum speed, without being driven.
"He left the engine ticking over while he went inside to pay for the petrol."
inseparable
tick over
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To operate or function at a low but steady level; for an engine to run slowly at idle.
In plain English
To keep working or running at a basic, slow level — just enough to stay active.
What does "tick over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
For a business, organisation, or system to function at a minimal but sufficient level.
"With the manager away, the team just kept things ticking over until she returned."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For an engine to make ticking sounds as it runs slowly at idle — partially transparent.
Actually means
To keep working or running at a basic, slow level — just enough to stay active.
Usage tip
British English. Used for engines (literally: running at idle speed) and figuratively for businesses, organisations, or minds that are functioning at a basic level without growing or excelling. Often implies a temporary, maintenance-level state.
Words that pair with "tick over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
engine business economy mind operation company
How to conjugate "tick over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tick over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ticks over
he/she/it
Past simple
ticked over
yesterday
Past participle
ticked over
have + pp
-ing form
ticking over
continuous
Hear "tick over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tick over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "tick over"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
function at minimum idle keep going keep ticking maintain plod along
Keep exploring
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