off and on(also on and off) for short periods but not regularly, over a long period of time
[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲
off and on adv. Not regularly; occasionally; sometimes.
Joan wrote to a pen pal in England off and on for several years. It rained off and on all day. ■ Sometimes used with hyphens like an adjective.
A worn-out cord may make a hearing aid work in an off-and-on way. Compare: BY FITS AND STARTS, FROM TIME TO TIME, NOW AND THEN.
[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲