The phrase "clock ticks" means the sound a clock makes when it moves one second forward. It's often used to describe time passing by.
Sentences with «clock ticks»
If so, the issuer will apply your payments to those charges rather than the one that has the zero - interest clock ticking on it. (nerdwallet.com)
The sound of the grandfather clock ticking away in the living room gave way to the television laughter issuing softly from the bedroom down the hall. (bookbrowse.com)
That can be a big deal for people who are hoping to have children and have a biological clock ticking in their ear. (jewishdatingsite.net)