by fits and starts
Idioms-
see fits and starts.
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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.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Past efforts to tighten security cooperation between Seoul and Tokyo have progressed by fits and starts.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2023
After the Civil War, the breakup movement kept going by fits and starts, over who was getting the rawest deal on you-name-it.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2021
But he will, by fits and starts, be able to get some legislation through.
From Salon • Jan. 24, 2021
The Gospel advances by fits and starts, but over time it does bring about change for the good.
From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2019
So by fits and starts, she followed Yuko into Islam.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
