Englishfits and starts
Meaning: In short bursts of motion or effort.
Example: “Work on the new library has progressed in fits and starts.”
Origin: Built from two Early Modern English words that both once described sudden, uncontrolled bursts: "fit" meant a paroxysm or seizure, a term also used at the time for episodes of illness, while "start" described an abrupt leap or jump. "By fits" is documented alone from the late 1500s, with "starts" joining it roughly a century later to reinforce the same idea of jerky, unpredictable action rather than smooth, continuous progress. Robert Sanderson's sermon collection, delivered in 1620 and printed in 1657, gives an early combined example — warning against faith held "only by fits and starts, and sudden moods" — applying the same physical image of a body seized by sudden spasms to a mind or a project that only moves in short, unreliable bursts.
More English idioms
- footloose and fancy-free Able to go anywhere and do anything that one wants; carefree.
- a force to be reckoned with Something or someone whose influence or power must be considered.
- for crying out loud An exclamation of exasperation or impatience.
- for goodness' sake A mild exclamation of annoyance, surprise or urgency.
- for heaven's sake An exclamation of impatience, surprise or pleading.
- for the birds A waste of time; mixed up or confused.
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Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.
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