TICKING OVER

(British slang) running slowly without transmitting power; idling. An engine ticks over when it is out of gear and running slowly. Used figuratively to mean alive when referring to the body. —5th ACC Vol 2 Glossary (Final Approval 7/12/89), Editor, from World Book Dictionary

(British slang) running slowly without transmitting power; idling. An engine ticks over when it is out of gear and running slowly. Used figuratively to mean alive when referring to the body.