The phrase “in a tick” means something happens quickly, but the actual amount of time it represents varies. In science, it can mean one or 100 nanoseconds, while in athletics it is usually one-tenth of a second. The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it may have come from the ticking of a clock. Other similar idioms include “in the blink of an eye” and “in a second.” It is often used to reassure someone about the timing of an activity or event.
The English idiom, “in a tick,” refers to something that happens in a very short space of time. A tick is a short amount of time, less than a second. Definitions vary based on the actual amount of time this informal word represents.
In science, where it is sometimes used, a tick can mean one nanosecond or 100 nanoseconds. Its usage is variable and must be specifically stated by the parties using it to describe time. In other industries, such as in the timing of athletic activities, the tick is usually referred to as one-tenth of a second. In computer programming, it refers to an often arbitrary amount of time recognized by a digital timer.
When English speakers say something will be done, “in a tick,” they are saying it will be done quickly. There are many other idioms in English to express the same idea. For example, English speakers might also say “in the blink of an eye” or use a shortened version of the word “second” as in “in a second.” Another more idiomatic phrase is “in two shakes of lamb’s tail”.
The origin of the phrase, “in a tick,” is somewhat unclear. Many speech historians say the phrase was originally based on the ticking of a clock. English speakers might also refer to “the ticking of time” or use the word tick as a verb in many other ways.
The idiomatic phrase “in a checkmark” is most commonly used to describe an activity or event. Rarely will English speakers say, “Will you do it in a flash?” or use the phrase in question form. In this way, the sentence is similar to the others mentioned above. These phrases are often used as reassurance to someone who wants to know how soon something will be done. For example, in response to questions like “when will you have my car ready?” a correct answer would be “in one tick”.
Those unfamiliar with the phrase should not confuse it with others based on the word “tick” and the associated idiom “tock.” Together, “tick-tock” describes the sound of a clock. English speakers might speak of “time tick-tock away” or “tic-tock of time,” without actually referring to a specific unit of time. Some English speakers might also use the phrase “tick when I should tock,” which generally refers to less productive or less satisfying behaviors.
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