tick over

  • 柯林斯高阶英汉双解学习词典

  • 英英释义

1. PHRASAL VERB (引擎)空转,低速运转 If an engine is ticking over, it is running at a low speed or rate, for example when it is switched on but you are not actually using it. 
  • Very slowly he moved forward, the engine ticking over.

    他慢慢往前开,发动机低速运转。

2. PHRASAL VERB (人、系统、业务)慢吞吞地工作,进展缓慢 If a person, system, or business is ticking over, they are working steadily, but not producing very much or making much progress. 
  • The market is at least ticking over...

    至少市场还在缓慢发展。

  • It keeps you ticking over, stops you being complacent.

    这使你进展缓慢,得意不起来。

Verb

1. run disconnected or idle;

  • "the engine is idling"