Definition of tick away

tick awayphrasal verb

tích tắc đi

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The expression "tick away" is a figurative phrase that originated from the sound of a ticking clock. The ticking sound is produced by a mechanical device, known as a clock, that is designed to measure time. The sound of this ticking clock is distinctive and constant, reminding us of the passing of time with each tick. As time passes by, the sound of the ticking clock becomes a metaphorical reminder that time is passing us by too. The expression "tick away" is used to mean that time is passing quickly or that a deadline is approaching. It's a way to describe the sense of urgency and the need to act fast before time runs out. The use of the term "tick away" can be traced back to the mid-1960s in the United States, where it was popularized by the British phrase "time's a-wasting." This phrase, which meant the same thing, was coined in the early 20th century and was popularized by Shakespeare in Hamlet. It was a modification of the earlier phrase "time flies," which became popular in the late 19th century. Although the specific origin of the term "tick away" is uncertain, its meaning is clear. It's a reminder that time is precious and that we should act quickly to accomplish our goals before time runs out. The ticking clock symbolizes the inevitability of the passing of time, and the ticking sound serves as a constant reminder that we must make the most of the time we have.

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Example:
  • The minutes on the clock ticked away as I waited for my interview to begin.

    Những phút giây trôi qua trong lúc tôi chờ đợi buổi phỏng vấn bắt đầu.

  • The countdown to the start of the game had barely begun, but the seconds seemed to tick away at a maddening pace.

    Thời gian đếm ngược đến lúc trận đấu bắt đầu vẫn chưa bắt đầu, nhưng từng giây trôi qua thật nhanh.

  • The clock in the hospital room ticked away monotonously, each tick a reminder of the long night ahead.

    Chiếc đồng hồ trong phòng bệnh tích tắc đều đều, mỗi tiếng tích tắc là một lời nhắc nhở về đêm dài phía trước.

  • The closer the deadline approached, the faster the hours seemed to tick away.

    Càng gần đến hạn chót, thời gian dường như trôi qua càng nhanh.

  • Watching time ebb away like sand through an hourglass, I couldn't shake the feeling of dread.

    Nhìn thời gian trôi qua như cát trong đồng hồ cát, tôi không thể thoát khỏi cảm giác sợ hãi.

  • With each passing second, the tension mounted as the timer ticked away menacingly.

    Mỗi giây trôi qua, sự căng thẳng lại tăng lên khi đồng hồ đếm ngược một cách đáng sợ.

  • The ticking of the grandfather clock was loud and obnoxious, its rhythmic beat echoing through the empty house.

    Tiếng tích tắc của chiếc đồng hồ quả lắc rất to và khó chịu, nhịp điệu của nó vang vọng khắp căn nhà trống trải.

  • The study group's dwindling time left us feeling anxious as the minutes ticked away relentlessly.

    Thời gian dành cho nhóm nghiên cứu ngày càng ít đi khiến chúng tôi cảm thấy lo lắng khi từng phút trôi qua một cách chậm chạp.

  • The clock towered over us, its ticking a constant reminder of the time's swift passage.

    Chiếc đồng hồ cao hơn chúng tôi, tiếng tích tắc của nó liên tục nhắc nhở chúng tôi về sự trôi qua nhanh chóng của thời gian.

  • As the alarm clock's monotonous beep droned on, each tick felt like a drumbeat, announcing the end of my night's sleep.

    Khi tiếng bíp đơn điệu của đồng hồ báo thức vang lên, mỗi tiếng tích tắc như tiếng trống, báo hiệu giấc ngủ đêm của tôi đã kết thúc.

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