| 词组 | tick over |
| 释义 | tick over 1. tick over usually progressive BrE if a company, organization, system, etc is ticking over, it continues to operate, especially without producing very much, without making progress, or without having any problems: ▪ The firm had enough work to keep it ticking over for the next few months. ▪ The British film industry ticked over during the 1950s, without any real artistic ambition. ▪ Peter's father went down to the factory now and again, to make sure things were ticking over smoothly. 2. tick over usually progressive BrE if an engine or machine ticks over, it works slowly and steadily. Use this especially to say that a car engine operates slowly when the vehicle is not moving: ▪ He told his driver to wait outside and keep the engine ticking over. ▪ I can hear a strange noise when the engine ticks over. ■ SIMILAR TO: ↑idle 3. sb's brain/mind is ticking over BrE if someone's brain or mind is ticking over, they are thinking about something, for example because they are trying to decide what to do, or they are interested in something: ▪ Her brain was ticking over rapidly, as she was trying to think of a way out of her current situation. ▪ Mandy had brought him some books of puzzles to help him keep his brain cells ticking over while he was in hospital. |
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