Idiom: off and on (on and off)
Meaning
Idiom: off and on (on and off)
- sometimes but not regularly
- occasionally or sporadically
Example sentences
— The electricity has been off and on for the past five hours since the storm hit.
— My boyfriend and I were dating off and on for five years but this time it’s over and we’re never getting back together.
— Doctor, the pain in my stomach has been on and off for two months now but it’s becoming more frequent so I’m worried.
— It's been raining off and on for the past few days but it's supposed to be beautiful this weekend.
— Our daughter had been eating vegetarian food off and on for a few years before finally going vegan last month.
— Sheila's been doing temporary work for us as a receptionist off and on during the past few years she's been in college.
— You're not going to keep the weight off if you only eat well off and on.
— The restaurant makes mango shakes off and on during the times mangoes are in season.
— I wake up every time the air conditioner goes off and on at night. It's so noisy.
Synonyms
- now and then
- (every) once in awhile
- from time to time
- at times
- on occasion
- every/ever so often
Download your free illustrated idioms eBook!
Want to expand your idiom knowledge even further? Download our free eBook, '25 Illustrated Idioms,' to learn more useful expressions with fun visuals that make understanding idioms a breeze. Sign up now to get your free copy!
You might like these idioms
More idioms will be added in the future so check back frequently or sign-up for my free newsletter to learn about new updates to my website.
- Home Page ›
- Idioms List ›
- Idiom: off and on
