1. in an impulsive and irregular manner; periods of activity mixed with periods when nothing happens; in short bursts of motion or effort

1. When you play the violin, you must move the bow across the strings smoothly, not in fits and starts.

2. It took Sally a long time to finish her education. She pursued it in fits and starts.

3. The construction proceeded by fits and starts.

4. The reform process has proceeded in fits and starts.