by starts and leaps

In sudden short bursts; without being tidy and regular.

Japanese Meaning

突発的かつ断続的に、あまり規則正しくない形で発生する様子 / 短い間隔で急に生じる動作、または現象を示す表現

The old radio crackled by starts and leaps during the storm.

嵐の間、古いラジオは断続的にパチパチと音を立てた。

Sense（1）

In sudden short bursts; without being tidy and regular.

Nature does nothing by starts and leaps, or in a hurry.