(writing) A literary device in which the protagonist has a strict time limit, used to heighten tension. / Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see tick, clock.

an admonition or reprimand

the idling of an engine / (by extension) doing a gentle amount of work

(Britain) The completion of a form containing multiple-choice questions in which one or more boxes need to be ticked by way of an answer.

(idiomatic, almost always preceded by the and often followed by for) Time is running out; a deadline is approaching.

present participle of tick and tie

plural of ticking-off

present participle of tick away

A small space on a form in which a tick or cross may be placed as a response.

plural of tick box