Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase.
“To do by fits and starts”
a) To do impulsively
b) To do at once
c) To benefit one
d) To be well off
e) To act as host

Answer 1

Hint: An idiom is an expression in the use of a language which is unique to itself, because it has a meaning which cannot be derived from the standard meanings of its elements.

Complete Answer
“To do by fits and starts” refers to something that often stops and then starts again rather than progressing steadily. Let us look at an example here for understanding this properly
“My slimming attempts tend to go in fits and starts.” 

Let us go through options to find the option which is the correct meaning of the idiom “To do by fits and starts.”
a) To do impulsively: It refers to something which is not continuous, or is acting momentarily. So, going by this meaning this is the correct option. Let us look at an example here.
“Some things should not be done impulsively.”
b) To do at once: It refers to doing something immediately or something that is done in a very fast way. Let us look at an example here for better understanding.
“I really must go to the railway station at once.”
c) To benefit one: It refers to an advantage someone has or a profit gained by doing something successfully. Let us look at an example here.
“He was being benefitted for running his business successfully.”
d) To be well off: It refers to someone who is in good condition or favourable circumstances and is well provided. Let us look at an example here

“His family is quite well off.”
e) To act as host: It refers to someone who entertains or receives guests at home or elsewhere, it can be a garden party, an office party or any kind of gathering. Let us look at an example here.
“He acted as a host at a theatre party.”
So, the correct options is A.

Note: The conceptual meaning of an idiom is somewhat different from the actual sense or interpretation of the terms in which it is formed. Every day they help put a beautiful illustration into the speech.