“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”。
- 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.
