fits and starts: Idiom Meaning and Origin

Fits and starts is an idiom that describes something progressing in an irregular or unsteady manner. It refers to periods of activity and periods of inactivity. Originating in the 16th century, it has become a popular phrase in English.

One interpretation of fits and starts is that it refers to sudden bursts of energy or movement followed by periods of rest or inaction. This can be seen in various contexts, such as a business's growth, a project's development, or an individual's behavior. It implies a lack of consistency, with progress being made sporadically.

Fits and starts can also describe someone's manner of speaking or expressing themselves. It refers to someone who speaks in a disjointed or fragmented manner, often pausing or hesitating between words or thoughts. This can be attributed to a lack of confidence or uncertainty in one's speech, resulting in a choppy or staccato-like delivery.

The idiom has its roots in Middle English, specifically in the word "fit," which initially meant a sudden or convulsive movement. It was commonly used to describe seizures or spasms. Over time, "fit" evolved to also refer to sudden bursts of activity or energy. The addition of "and starts" emphasizes the intermittent nature of these bursts, highlighting the stop-and-go nature of the process being described.

While fits and starts is a widely recognized idiom, its usage may vary in different regions or contexts. In some cases, it may be used more metaphorically, while in others, it may be taken more literally. For some individuals, the idiom may conjure up images of a car that starts and stops repeatedly, showcasing its struggle to maintain a consistent pace.

Overall, fits and starts encapsulates the concept of erratic or irregular progress, characterized by intermittent bursts of activity or energy. It conveys a sense of inconsistency and unpredictability in various aspects of life. Just like how progress can happen in fits and starts, other related idioms can shed more light on the topic: "on and off," "get started," "fire the starting gun," and "keep it moving."

The idiom "on and off" is closely related to fits and starts. When something happens on and off, it means it occurs intermittently or irregularly. Much like fits and starts, "on and off" implies a lack of consistency or continuity. It emphasizes that something is not continuously in progress or action, but rather experiences periods of activity followed by periods of inactivity. For example, a project may be worked on by a team on and off, making progress in fits and starts.

When it comes to getting started on something, there may be a similarity between the idiom "get started" and fits and starts. Getting started refers to the initial steps or actions taken to begin something. It implies the transition from a state of inactivity or rest to a state of activity or progress. The idiom fits and starts can be applied to the process of getting started, as it suggests that there may be sporadic bursts of energy or motivation followed by periods of inaction or hesitation.

Another related idiom is "fire the starting gun." This idiom is often used metaphorically to signify the start or initiation of something. It implies the beginning of a race or competition, where firing the starting gun marks the moment when participants can start moving forward. The idiom fits and starts can be connected to "fire the starting gun" by highlighting that progress may not always be continuous but rather marked by bursts of activity and energy, much like the start of a race.

Lastly, the idiom "keep it moving" can also be related to fits and starts. "Keep it moving" is a phrase that encourages continuous progress or momentum. It emphasizes the need to avoid being stagnant or getting stuck in one place. Although fits and starts implies intermittent progress, the idea of keeping it moving reminds individuals to maintain a forward motion, even if progress occurs in sporadic bursts.

By understanding and incorporating these related idioms into the concept of fits and starts, we can paint a more comprehensive picture of the phrase's meaning. It becomes clear that fits and starts represents the unpredictable and irregular nature of progress, highlighting the need to push forward and maintain momentum, even when progress occurs in bursts.