tick by

phrasal verb·1 sense·particle by

Usefulness

Meanings

Of time, pass second by second, often when waiting

Why “by”? Time passes the same way. Moments stream past and are gone.

“Minutes ticked by as Maya and Leo waited in the club queue.”

Time passed slowly while Maya and Leo waited.

“The final seconds ticked by.”

The final seconds passed slowly, one by one.

Don't confuse with

Tick by means of time, pass second by second, often when waiting. Tick off means mark items on a list as done.

Test yourself

“Minutes ticked by as Maya and Leo waited in the club queue.” What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.

tick off

A contrast learners often mix up

Mark items on a list as done

fly by

Same by pattern: time passing

Travel past quickly through the air; Of time, pass extremely quickly

go by

Same by pattern: time passing

Of time, pass or elapse; Use a rule, name, or evidence as your guide; Use a particular name

pass by

Same by pattern: time passing

Move past a point without stopping; Of an opportunity or time, go past without being used

roll by

Same by pattern: time passing

Of time, pass smoothly and continuously

slip by

Same by pattern: time passing

Pass quietly without being noticed; Of time, pass quietly without being noticed

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