on-and-off ease
nounUK /ˌɒn ənd ˈɒf iːz/
US /ˌɑːn ənd ˈɔːf iːz/
A way of feeling relaxed sometimes and tense other times.
Her on-and-off ease made it hard to tell if she was nervous or calm.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A pattern of being comfortable only for short periods.
His on-and-off ease at parties lasted only until someone asked him to speak.
3. A relaxed attitude that comes and goes.
The teacher's on-and-off ease kept the students guessing about her mood.
4. A state of partial calm interrupted by worry.
She waited with on-and-off ease for the test results.