stop-and-go
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of stop-and-go
First recorded in 1920–25
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.
Legal challenges to Trump’s plans have made construction of Trump’s $400 million ballroom a stop-and-go affair.
From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026
When officials confronted a similar dilemma, during the so-called stagflation of the 1970s, the central bank’s stop-and-go response allowed high inflation to become entrenched.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025
Verstappen was in a tight fight with Norris throughout the race until the Briton was given a 10-second stop-and-go penalty for failing to slow for yellow flags.
From BBC • Dec. 1, 2024
We inched comfortably through stop-and-go Saturday afternoon traffic and made an impressive left turn ahead of two lanes of oncoming cars as I said my prayers in the passenger seat.
From Slate • Oct. 21, 2024
As I drive through Manhattan, I pull to a stop at the first hint of a yellow light and try not to tailgate through the stop-and-go traffic.
From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins
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.
