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off and on
01
间歇性地, 时断时续地
in a way that is not continuous or regular
Idiom
InformalWhat 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.
Example
The internet connection at my house works off and on, causing occasional disruptions.
我家里的网络连接时断时续，造成偶尔的中断。
She studies on and off, depending on her workload and other commitments.
她根据工作量和其他承诺间歇性地学习。
