by fits and starts
1
7.4
- idiom
- Informal
:
a trompicones
- Various emperors advanced the process by fits and starts until, in 212, Caracalla made all freeborn inhabitants of the Empire full citizens.
Examples
-
But economically, socially, and politically, things tend to move by fits and starts.
Blog text (26) -
In these many episcopal interactions, a common teaching was nourished, often by fits and starts, by the whole college.
Academic text (2002) -
Slowly, and by fits and starts, we perfect the vision we have of ourselves and our commitments to freedom, equality, and success through work and ingenuity.
Blog text (13) -
The Lord of Miracles, borne aloft, had rounded the corner from a side street and was making his way, by fits and starts, around the perimeter of the plaza.
Fiction book (1995) -
The project progressed by fits and starts, with numerous delays causing frustration among the team.
-
He learned to play the guitar by fits and starts, practicing whenever he found the time.
-
Her recovery from the illness happened by fits and starts, with good days followed by setbacks.
Synonyms
15
6.0
In a way that stops and starts at irregular times
13
6.5
Happening only sometimes and not regularly
13
6.4
In a way that is not regular or easy to predict
5
6.3
In an irregular way with short breaks
5
6.7
Short periods of activity with pauses
4
4.2
Happens at different times and not in a steady way
3
3.8
Happening sometimes and stopping at other times
1
8.6
Happens at irregular times in short, sudden bursts
Antonyms
How Continuous
740
1.0
386
1.0
- Informal
1
7.4
438
2.0
539
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
Both nouns 'fit' and 'start' denote sudden, brief episodes, so the compound 'fits and starts' plausibly suggests actions occurring in intermittent bursts rather than continuously; the preposition 'by' here marks the manner ('in terms of these bursts'). However, the exact idiomatic phrasing and its conventional use to mean 'at irregular intervals' is not wholly predictable from the parts for a B1 learner without prior exposure, so it is only partially transparent.
Etymology
By fits and starts comes from a simple image: progress jumps in short, sudden bursts, with quick fits and sudden starts, then a pause and then more movement. So it means 'not steady' or 'at irregular times'.