tick by

phrasal verb·1 sense·particle by

Meanings

1

Of time, pass second by second, often when waiting

Time Passing

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

“Minutes ticked by in silence.”
Minutes passed slowly, second by second, in silence.
“The final seconds ticked by.”
The final seconds passed slowly, one by one.

Don't confuse with

tick bytick off

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 in silence.” 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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