tick-tock

Meanings

1. The sound of the ticking of an analog clock.
2. Time is running out; a deadline is approaching.
3. Expresses warning of some fateful, impending event.

1. To make continual clicking sounds like those of an analog clock; to tick.
2. When marching, to swing arms and legs on the same side at the same time.

1. The sound of a ticking clock.
2. A step-by-step account of an event or timeline.

Etymology

Imitative. See tick.