what makes somebody tick
what makes (one) tick
The things that motivate one or make one behave in a certain way. I'd love to sit you down for an interview so I can find out what makes you tick. Janet is a very private person, so it's hard to know what makes her tick.
See also: make, tick, what
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
what makes somebody ˈtick
(informal) what makes somebody behave or think in the way they do: I’ve never really understood what makes her tick. Money is what makes him tick. Tick here is the sound a watch or clock makes as the hands move forward every second.
See also: make, somebody, tick, what
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- drive (one) out of office
- force (one) out of office
- force out of office
- give (one) (one's) head
- give head
- give somebody their head
- give someone their head
- cooking for one
- 1FTR
- all's one to (one)