Tick by Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈtɪk/ /ˈbaɪ

TIK by

UK

tˈɪk/ /bˈaɪ

TIK by

Definition

To describe time passing slowly or regularly, often while waiting for something.

Usage & Nuances

"Tick by" is informal and almost always refers to time. Common with "minutes/hours/days tick by" when talking about waiting or feeling bored. Don't use with things other than time.

• Spanish: pasar (el tiempo) - transcurrir
• Portuguese (BR): passar (o tempo)
• Portuguese (PT): passar (o tempo)
• Chinese (Simplified): 流逝（时间）
• Chinese (Traditional): 流逝（時間）
• Hindi: गुज़रना (समय)
• Arabic: يمضي (الوقت)
• Bengali: কাটিয়ে যাওয়া (সময়)
• Russian: проходить (о времени)
• Japanese: 過ぎていく（時間）
• Vietnamese: trôi qua (thời gian)
• Korean: 흐르다 (시간에 대해)
• Turkish: geçmek (zaman için)
• Urdu: گزرنا (وقت)
• Indonesian: berlalu (waktu)

Example Sentences

We watched the minutes tick by as we waited for the bus.

basic

I felt the hours tick by during the long meeting.

basic

The days tick by and nothing changes.

basic

As I waited for her reply, I could feel every second tick by.

natural

Sometimes, weekends just tick by too quickly.

natural

Watch the days tick by until your next vacation—it’ll be here before you know it.

natural