What does the cryptic crossword clue "… 'give over jerk' and becomes fitful (4,5)" mean?

The definition is "fitful". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). STOP (synonym="give over") + START (synonym="jerk, twitch") = STOPSTART; definition: "fitful" The answer is STOPSTART.

… 'give over jerk' and becomes fitful (4,5)

Guardian Cryptic #29053 | 25 Across | 2023-04-25 flower

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