tick over

Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th

ˌtick ˈover derived
(BrE) (usually used in the progressive tenses)
1. (of an engine)to run slowly while the vehicle is not moving
Syn: ↑idle
•The cab was waiting outside, the engine ticking over.
2. (of a business, a system, an activity, etc.)to keep working slowly without producing or achieving much
•Just keep things ticking over while I'm away.
Main entry: ↑tick_derived