Definition of tick by

The phrase "tick by" is a common idiom in the English language, meaning to move or progress gradually and consecutively over a certain period of time, usually measured in short intervals, such as minutes or seconds. The origin of this expression is believed to come from the sound made by a clock's ticking seconds hand, as it moves along the dial, marking each passing second. The term "tick by" is a colloquial variation of the phrase "tick-tock," which comes from the sound of a grandfather clock, consisting of a loud "tock" at each full hour, and a softer "tick" with each following second. Interestingly, the word "tick" itself has an interesting history. Its origins lie in the Old English word "ticcan," which meant "to cause to move," or "to knock." This word eventually evolved into Middle English "tycken," which was used to describe the sound made by a clock's clockwork mechanism. This word eventually fell out of use and was replaced by the current term, which seems to have originated from the pouring of water into a bucket, causing a sound similar to that of a ticking clock. In summary, "tick by" is a phrase that has become commonly used to describe the gradual and consecutive passing of time, as heard in the ticking of a clock, and is a modern variation of the more traditional "tick-tock." Its origin can be traced back to the Old English word "ticcan," meaning "to cause to move," which eventually evolved into the sound we hear today whenever a clock is ticking.