every now and then

Idioms  

1. Also, every now and again; every once in a while; every so often. Occasionally, from time to time; also, periodically. For example, Every now and then I long for a piece of chocolate, or We take long walks every now and again, or Every once in a while he'll call, or Every so often she washes the car. The first term dates from the first half of the 1700s, the last from the mid-1900s. Also see from time to time; once in a while.

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Example Sentences

That said, I don’t believe in astrology, but I still take a peek at my horoscope every now and then.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

He says he went from being a teenager who used steroid creams to manage his eczema "every now and then", to experiencing such horrific symptoms he had to drop out of university.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

It needs only to “get lucky” every now and then to undermine the resolve and weaken the defense of the stronger party.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

And every now and then, I might find a little bop, a little sundress, a little something to throw on, drop the things back off and then head down into the city.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

If that was true, then if Cora picked a day for her birthday every now and then she might hit upon hers as well.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

Related Words

• every so often
• now and again
• now and then