tick by
phrasal verbPart oftick
tick by — phrasal verb
1. (of time) to pass gradually and often slowly, especially when someone is waiting
1.phrasal verb
Definition
(of time) to pass gradually and often slowly, especially when someone is waiting for something.
Example
The minutes ticked by slowly while Chiara waited for the delayed train to arrive.
As the hours ticked by, Paloma grew more worried about her missing cat.
2. To pass slowly, one unit at a time, often used for time.
2.phrasal verb
Definition
To pass slowly, one unit at a time, often used for time.
Example
The hours ticked by during the long meeting.
As the days ticked by, her anxiety grew.