1 B2 neutral
For time or a specific moment to pass steadily, often implying an awareness of each moment as it goes.
"Midnight ticked past and the negotiators were still no closer to a deal."
inseparable
tick past
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
For time or a specific moment to pass steadily, often with an implication of awareness.
In plain English
Time keeps moving past a certain point, like a clock ticking past midnight.
What does "tick past" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For a clock to tick as it passes a particular point — transparent.
Actually means
Time keeps moving past a certain point, like a clock ticking past midnight.
Usage tip
Less common than 'tick by' or 'tick away'. Slightly more specific — often used when a particular moment or milestone is mentioned (e.g. 'midnight ticked past', 'the hour ticked past'). Primarily literary or journalistic English.
Words that pair with "tick past"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
midnight noon deadline hour mark seconds
How to conjugate "tick past"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tick past
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ticks past
he/she/it
Past simple
ticked past
yesterday
Past participle
ticked past
have + pp
-ing form
ticking past
continuous
Hear "tick past" in the wild
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Other ways to say "tick past"
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Keep exploring
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