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off and on
01
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.
Examples
The internet connection at my house works off and on, causing occasional disruptions.
She studies on and off, depending on her workload and other commitments.
