By/in fits and starts

phrase

Intermittently or irregularly.

The old car moved by fits and starts.
Visual representation of "by/in fits and starts" - Intermittently or irregularly.

Often appears as...

  • work in fits and starts
  • progress in fits and starts

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

With a lot of sudden starts and stops.

He drove in fits and starts.
Visual representation of "by/in fits and starts" - With a lot of sudden starts and stops.

Often appears as...

  • drive in fits and starts
  • stutter in fits and starts

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Intermittently or irregularly.

The old car moved by fits and starts.
Visual representation of "by/in fits and starts" - Intermittently or irregularly.

Often appears as...

  • work in fits and starts
  • progress in fits and starts

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

With a lot of sudden starts and stops.

He drove in fits and starts.
Visual representation of "by/in fits and starts" - With a lot of sudden starts and stops.

Often appears as...

  • drive in fits and starts
  • stutter in fits and starts

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "by/in fits and starts"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Not Consistent

Indicates something doesn’t happen in a regular pattern or at evenly spaced times.

Illustration for Not Consistent
Her attendance at the gym was by fits and starts, lacking consistency.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Expect Delays

Suggests there could be interruptions or pauses in the process or action.

Illustration for Expect Delays
Learning a new language happens in fits and starts, so don't get discouraged.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Implying Frustration

Can imply that the lack of steadiness is causing annoyance or inconvenience.

Illustration for Implying Frustration
The team's efforts to complete the project moved by fits and starts, testing everyone's patience.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Not Consistent

Indicates something doesn’t happen in a regular pattern or at evenly spaced times.

Illustration for Not Consistent
Her attendance at the gym was by fits and starts, lacking consistency.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Expect Delays

Suggests there could be interruptions or pauses in the process or action.

Illustration for Expect Delays
Learning a new language happens in fits and starts, so don't get discouraged.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Implying Frustration

Can imply that the lack of steadiness is causing annoyance or inconvenience.

Illustration for Implying Frustration
The team's efforts to complete the project moved by fits and starts, testing everyone's patience.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Not Consistent

Indicates something doesn’t happen in a regular pattern or at evenly spaced times.

Illustration for Not Consistent
Her attendance at the gym was by fits and starts, lacking consistency.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Expect Delays

Suggests there could be interruptions or pauses in the process or action.

Illustration for Expect Delays
Learning a new language happens in fits and starts, so don't get discouraged.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Implying Frustration

Can imply that the lack of steadiness is causing annoyance or inconvenience.

Illustration for Implying Frustration
The team's efforts to complete the project moved by fits and starts, testing everyone's patience.
Visual representation of the word "By/in fits and starts"

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