Definition

Noun phrase: - Repeated bursts of activity: Refers to progress or work that is not steady or continuous, but rather happens in irregular, short periods of intense effort followed by periods of inactivity or slower pace.

Usage

The phrase "fits and starts" is used to describe an irregular, stop-and-start pattern of activity or progress. It emphasizes inconsistency and lack of steady flow. - It typically functions as the object of a preposition, most commonly "in" or "by." - It is often used to describe how a project advances, how someone works, or how an event unfolds.

Examples

• The project moved forward in fits and starts, with weeks of intense work followed by long periods of stagnation.
• He doesn't have a consistent study routine; he learns by fits and starts.
• Economic recovery is proceeding in fits and starts, making long-term planning difficult.

Advanced Usage

• "to proceed/advance in fits and starts": This is a common collocation to describe uneven progress.
  • The peace negotiations are advancing in fits and starts, with frequent delays.
• "to do something by fits and starts": An alternative phrasing with the same meaning.
  • She wrote her novel by fits and starts over a decade.

Variants and Related Words

• Fitful (adj): Occurring in short, irregular bursts; not steady or continuous.
  • He had a fitful night's sleep.
• Intermittent (adj): Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
  • The day was marked by intermittent rain showers.

Synonyms

• Stop-and-go: Characterized by a series of stops and starts.
• Sporadically (adv): At irregular intervals; occasionally.
• Erratically (adv): In an unpredictable or irregular manner.

Related Idioms

• "Off and on": Happening occasionally or intermittently.
  • It rained off and on all afternoon.
• "In spurts": With sudden, brief periods of intense activity.
  • His creativity comes in spurts.

Noun

1. repeated bursts of activity
   • they worked in fits and starts