What is the origin of the idiom "fits and starts" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "fits and starts" can be traced back to the Middle English period. The phrase has been in use since the 16th century and has since become a commonly used idiom in the English language to describe a stop-and-start pattern or inconsistent progress. Its origin lies in the observation of human behavior and the recognition of the unpredictable and sporadic nature of certain actions or processes.