tick over

verb

1. Also: idle. (of an engine) to run at low speed with the throttle control closed and the transmission disengaged

2. to run smoothly without any major changes

   keep the firm ticking over until I get back

noun

1. 1. the speed of an engine when it is ticking over

   2. ( as modifier )

      tick-over speed

Example Sentences

"If I'd have ballooned up in weight and I'd not been in the gym just ticking over, then I wouldn't have been able to take the fight and I wouldn't be in this position today."

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Anderson's constant demands for the ball, his ability to keep England ticking over, are hallmarks of his quality.

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With Pollock, Chandler Cunningham-South and Tom Willis on the bench, a complete recharge of the back row maybe possible to keep the needle high and the scoreboard ticking over in the second half.

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Itoje's decision to keep the scoreboard ticking over, rather than kicking to the corner was, just about, proven right as England rode their narrow cushion home.

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London Assembly Member Alex Wilson asks how many in the audience spent Boxing Day watching the party's membership counter tick over.

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