Tick away Meaning in English
expression
ˈtɪk/ /əˈweɪ
TIK-uh-WAY
tˈɪk/ /ɐwˈeɪ
TIK-uh-WAY
Definition
To describe time passing slowly and steadily, like the ticking sound of a clock. It often suggests that time is running out or being noticed as it goes by.
Usage & Nuances
Primarily used in reference to time, usually in situations where time passing is important or creates tension. Common in phrases like 'the minutes tick away.' Not used for objects or people, only for time or clocks.
Spanish: pasar (el tiempo) - avanzar (el reloj)Portuguese (BR): passar (o tempo) - correr (o relógio)Portuguese (PT): passar (o tempo) - avançar (o relógio)Chinese (Simplified): 悄悄流逝（时间）Chinese (Traditional): 悄悄流逝（時間）Hindi: धीरे-धीरे बीतना (समय)Arabic: يمضي الوقت ببطءBengali: ধীরে ধীরে কেটে যাওয়াRussian: медленно тянуться - неумолимо идти (о времени)Japanese: 静かに過ぎていく - 時間が刻々と過ぎるVietnamese: trôi chậm chạp - trôi qua từng tích tắcKorean: 천천히 흐르다 - 시간이 간다Turkish: yavaşça ilerlemek (zaman için)Urdu: آہستہ آہستہ گزرنا (وقت کے لیے)Indonesian: berlalu perlahan-lahan - waktu berlalu
Example Sentences
The seconds tick away as the clock counts down.
basic
Days tick away before the big exam.
basic
I could feel the minutes tick away as I waited in line.
basic
Time just seems to tick away when you're not paying attention.
natural
As midnight approached, the hours seemed to tick away faster.
natural
We watched the last few moments of the game tick away on the clock.
natural