fits and starts
Jerky, uneven progress
Fits and starts describes progress that is irregular and intermittent rather than smooth and continuous.
Something that proceeds in fits and starts alternates between bursts of activity and periods of inactivity or stagnation.
The project moved forward in fits and starts, with weeks of intense work followed by months of nothing.
The phrase often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting frustration with inconsistent momentum.
- fitProper or healthy
- burstBreak apart suddenly
- stop and goIntermittent motion pattern
- episodicOccurring in distinct segments
- intermittentOccurring at irregular intervals
off and on · spasmodic · staggered · desultory · now and then · sporadic · uneven · inconsistent · hit or miss · erratic · discontinuous · spurt · fragmented · patchy · irregular · flare-up · jolts · halting
fits and startssteadily
In constant, unwavering fashion
continuously · smoothly · uninterruptedly · evenly · consistently
fits and startssteadily
In constant, unwavering fashion
regularly · reliably · consistently · methodically · dependably
fits, fitted, fitting, fitter, fittest, start, starts, started, starting