Topic: EDUCATION
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tick2
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[intransitive] also tick away if a clock or watch ticks, it makes a short repeated sound : 
The old clock ticked noisily.
[intransitive] also tick awayThe old clock ticked noisily.2 [transitive] British EnglishSE to mark a test, list of questions etc with a tick, in order to show that something is correct, to choose something etc [= check American English] Tick the description that best fits you.
Tick the description that best fits you.3 the thoughts, feelings, opinions etc that give someone their character or make them behave in a particular way : I've never really understood what makes her tick.
what makes somebody tick
informalI've never really understood what makes her tick.4 if something ticks all the right boxes, it does everything that you wanted it to do or is everything you wanted it to be
tick all the right boxes
informaltick away/by/past
phrasal verbWe need a decision - time's ticking away.The minutes ticked past and still she didn't call.tick somebody/something ↔ off
phrasal verb1 British English informal to tell someone angrily that you are annoyed with them or disapprove of them : Mrs Watts will tick you off if you're late again.
Mrs Watts will tick you off if you're late again.2 British English to mark the things on a list with a tick to show that they have been dealt with, chosen etc [= check off American English] As you finish each task, tick it off. Have you ticked off Kate's name on the list?
As you finish each task, tick it off.Have you ticked off Kate's name on the list?3 American English informal to annoy someone : Her attitude is really ticking me off.
Her attitude is really ticking me off.4 American English to tell someone a list of things, especially when you touch a different finger as you say each thing on the list : Carville began ticking off points on his fingers.
Carville began ticking off points on his fingers.tick over
phrasal verb1TTC if an engine ticks over, it works while the vehicle is not moving : Mark left the engine ticking over and went back inside.
Mark left the engine ticking over and went back inside.2 if a system, business etc ticks over, it continues working but without producing very much or without much happening : The business is just about ticking over.
The business is just about ticking over.
