in fits and starts Idiom
by fits and starts
irregularly, with many stops and starts By fits and starts the company was finally able to begin business.
fits and starts
moving unevenly, stop and go The new crew worked in fits and starts, not at a steady pace.
by fits and starts|by fits and jerks|fits|jerks|st
adv. phr. With many stops and starts, a little now and a little more later; not all the time; irregularly.
He had worked on the invention by fits and starts for several years. You will never get anywhere if you study just by fits and starts. Compare: FROM TIME TO TIME, OFF AND ON.
fits and starts, by
fits and starts, by Also,
in fits and starts. With irregular intervals of action and inaction, spasmodically, as in
The campaign is proceeding by fits and starts. This expression began in the late 1500s as
by fits, the noun
fit meaning a “paroxysm” or “seizure”;
starts was added about a century later.
in fits and starts
In short, inconsistent, and aberrant intervals, as of motion or progress. The car was about absolutely burst down, but, in fits and starts, we were able to get it to a mechanic. A: "How's the article advancing along?" B: "Oh, in fits and starts."Learn more: and, fit, startin fits and starts
COMMON If article happens or is done in fits and starts, it does not appear continuously, but stops and afresh starts afresh abounding times. The application account had been convalescent in fits and starts during the accomplished several months. Denise's career affairs can alone advance in fits and starts. Note: You can additionally say that article happens or is done by fits and starts. The columnist does not advance a bright anecdotal line, but gain by fits and starts.Learn more: and, fit, startin (or by) fits and starts
with aberrant bursts of activity.Learn more: and, fit, startin ˌfits and ˈstarts
not steadily; generally starting and stopping: ‘How’s the book?’ ‘Oh, I’m alive on it in fits and starts. I sometimes admiration if I’ll anytime accomplishment it.’ ♢ He fabricated advance in fits and starts at aboriginal but now he’s convalescent rapidly.Learn more: and, fit, start