The Village Idiom

on and off

The idiom "on and off" means to do something intermittently or inconsistently, with periods of activity followed by periods of inactivity or cessation.

Time & pace · Filed under O

In a sentence

  • I've been working on this project on and off for the past few months.
  • The rain continued on and off throughout the day.
  • He has been switching jobs on and off for the last decade.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiomatic phrase "on and off" is used to indicate irregular or intermittent occurrences or actions. It implies that something is done or happens periodically, with breaks or interruptions in between.

The etymology of the idiom is rooted in the individual meanings of its constituent words. The word "on" signifies being engaged or in operation, while "off" indicates the opposite state of being discontinued or not active. When used together, "on and off" conveys the idea of alternating periods of engagement and disengagement.

The idiom "on and off" is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts. It is prevalent in everyday speech, written communication, and literature. Its versatility allows it to describe a wide range of circumstances or situations in which there is inconsistency or irregularity.

One of the most common examples of the use of this idiom is in reference to relationships. When someone says they have been dating someone "on and off," it indicates that the relationship has undergone multiple instances of starting and ending, with periods of separation interspersed with periods of rekindling. This can be likened to how a light bulb is turned on and off, now and then, indicating times of connection and disconnection.

Another area where the idiom is frequently applied is in describing actions or behavior. For instance, if someone states that they have been exercising "on and off," it suggests that their exercise routine has not been consistent and has involved periods of sporadic or interrupted activity. This is similar to how a light switch can be turned on an irregular basis, now and again, with moments of activity and inactivity.

The idiom "on and off" can also be employed to describe certain mental or emotional states. If someone says they have been feeling happy "on and off," it implies that their mood has been fluctuating, with moments of happiness followed by periods of sadness or indifference. This can be compared to how a light can be turned on and off, now and then, symbolizing shifts in emotional states.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.