subdict-logo

tick

Definition

  • noun: a small, quick sound that is made by a machine (such as a clock) and that often occurs in a series to produce a rhythm
  • noun: any of a superfamily (Ixodoidea) of bloodsucking acarid arachnids that are larger than the related mites, attach themselves to warm-blooded vertebrates to feed, and include important vectors of infectious diseases
  • often + 'off'
  • synonyms: credit, trust, pat

Examples

  • You're coming? Okay, I'll 'tick' you 'off' (on my list). [=I'll put a tick/check next to your name on my list]

  • Her parents 'ticked off' [='listed'] all the reasons she should not have stayed out late.

  • She bought her supplies 'on tick'. [=she promised to pay for the supplies later]

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) Oh, really? Of course, the giraffes are acting like they're above it all... Pouncing. Let an old pro show you how it's done. ...The tick birds are pecking on the elephants. I told the elephants to forget it, but they can't... Zazu, would you turn around? Stay low to the ground. (..)
    1994 The Lion King