by fits and starts 间或，一阵阵地

英文释义

To progress or grow in an irregular manner with many pauses and renewed efforts.

例句

Many new technological innovations are invented by fits and starts with long, tedious interruptions and sudden discoveries that lead to promising new developments.

很多技术创新都是间或被发明出来的，要经过漫长乏味的中断期，然后才有带来有希望的新进展的突然发现。