1PHRASAL 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. (引擎)空转,低速运转 [British]
Very slowly he moved forward, the engine ticking over. [VERBPREP.]
他慢慢往前开,发动机低速运转。
2PHRASAL 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. (人、系统、业务)慢吞吞地工作,进展缓慢 [British]
The market is at least ticking over. [VERBPREP.]
至少市场还在缓慢发展。
It keeps you ticking over, stops you being complacent. [VERBPREP.]