tick over

英 [tɪk ˈəʊvə(r)]

美 [tɪk ˈoʊvər]

（引擎）空转，低速运转; （人）慢吞吞地工作; （系统、业务）进展缓慢

柯林斯词典

PHRASAL VERB (引擎)空转，低速运转
If an engineis ticking over, it is running at a low speed or rate, for example when it is switched on but you are not actually using it.
1. Very slowly he moved forward, the engine ticking over.
  他慢慢往前开，发动机低速运转。
PHRASAL VERB (人、系统、业务)慢吞吞地工作，进展缓慢
If a person, system, or businessis ticking over, they are working steadily, but not producing very much or making much progress.
1. The market is at least ticking over...
  至少市场还在缓慢发展。
2. It keeps you ticking over, stops you being complacent.
  这使你进展缓慢，得意不起来。

verb