Keeping the engine ticking over in the close season is important.

She heard the warm engine ticking over but nothing else.

Keep the engines ticking over and watch out for anyone coming in from elsewhere.

The engine ticked to silence as she looked down at her clothes.

The engine ticked, but she listened to find the silence.

She lost way upon the water and came to a standstill, with the engine ticking over slowly.

The engine was just ticking over and the launch seemed to nose into the maze as though feeling her own way.

The engine of their squad car ticked as it cooled.

The van's engine was off now, but still ticking occasionally as it cooled.

I sat and listened to the engine ticking over for what seemed like for ever.