fits and starts 断断续续

“断断续续”，或“时断时续”，意思是时而中断，时而继续地接连下去（continue from time to time）。与英文惯用语“fits and starts”意思相近，表示“short, inconsistent, and irregular intervals, as of motion or progress；with much stopping and starting”。

例句：

我的瘦身运动总是时断时续。

My slimming attempts tend to go in fits and starts.

他们断断续续地完成了这项工作。

They got the job done in fits and starts.

改革进程断断续续地进行着。

The reform process has proceeded in fits and starts.