# tick over

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/tick-over
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To run smoothly and without problems.

## Examples

- The engine just needs to tick over for a few minutes.
- While the manager is away on vacation, the office continues to tick over without any major issues.
- The small business managed to tick over steadily throughout the economic downturn, thanks to a loyal customer base and careful financial planning.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.