in fits and starts，by fits and starts

bac

Search result show the entry is found in: barking fits , or running fits , or by fits , or furious fits

fits
in ,fits and 'starts
1.■
not steadily; often starting and stopping 断断续续地；间歇地:
‘How’s the book?’ ‘Oh, I’m working on it in fits and starts. I sometimes wonder if I’ll ever finish it.’
“你的书怎么样了？”“噢，写一阵儿停一阵儿的，有时我都怀疑能不能完成。”

He made progress in fits and starts at first but now he’s improving rapidly.
开始时，他的进步时断时续，但现在提高得很快。

2.■
if the shoe fits (, wear it)=if the cap fits (, wear it) 另见cap


举例：
They weep and laugh by fits and starts and beat themselves.