off and on

1. Also, off again, on again ; on again, off again . Uncertain, vacillating, as in Theirs is an off again, on again relationship , or The peace talks are on again, off again . Some believe this term originally referred to minor railroad accidents, where a train went off track and then on again. [Mid-1800s]

2. Intermittently, from time to time. For example, I read his column off and on , or We've been working on the garden all summer, on and off . [Early 1500s]

Idioms and Phrases

Also, on and off .

Example Sentences

California has imposed a tax on managed care organizations — health insurance providers that provide or arrange services for a monthly payment — off and on over time.

From Los Angeles Times

Cycle the heat off and on so as not to scorch the chowder.

From Salon

But the kids are better off and on Monday they were inspiring messengers of hope running eternal.

From Los Angeles Times

She has been a part of the league off and on since 2001.

From Seattle Times

Danny Kahneman, the Nobel Prize winner who was my collaborator for 30 years off and on, recently died, and I have his ghost over my shoulder here.

From Salon