If a business, job, or system is ticking over, it continues to work but makes little progress.

I'll be able to keep things ticking over in the office until you get back. 你回来之前我能够保持办公室工作基本运行。

If the engine of a vehicle is ticking over, the engine is operating slowly although the vehicle is not moving.

I've left the car with the engine ticking over. 我离开了汽车，让发动机空转着。