tick over
phrasal verbtick over (British English) usually used in the progressive tenses
- (of an engine) to run slowly while the vehicle is not moving synonym idle
- The cab was waiting outside, the engine ticking over.
- (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.
- The business is ticking over nicely at the moment.