buy (something) on tick

buy (something) on tick

To purchase something on credit. "Tick" is short for "ticket," a note showing one's debt (now an uncommon practice). Primarily heard in UK. I've already spent so much on this trip that I had to buy some last-minute purchases on tick. If you need groceries and won't get paid for another week, just buy them on tick.
See also: buy, on, tick
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

get, buy, etc. something on ˈtick

(old-fashioned, British English, informal) get food or other goods and pay for them later: You can only buy things on tick in small shops where they know you well. Tick is probably a short form of ticket and referred to the written note (an IOU) given by a person borrowing something to the lender as proof that they would pay them back or return the goods.
See also: on, something, tick
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • get (something) on tick
  • get, buy, etc. something on tick
  • go on tick
  • tick
  • at (one's) expense
  • at expense
  • at somebody's expense
  • at someone's expense
  • tick all the (right) boxes
  • (one's) true colours