What is the origin of the idiom "off and on" and when to use it?

The idiom "off and on" likely originated from the concept of something being turned on or off non-stop, such as a switch or a light. It conveys the idea of sporadic or irregular occurrences, much like the constant activation and deactivation of a switch. This phrase is commonly used in conversations and written language to express the irregular nature of something, highlighting periods of activity followed by periods of inactivity or absence.