The phrase "short bursts" refers to brief, intermittent periods or events that occur in quick succession. It can be used to describe a series of actions or activities that are done for short amounts of time and then stopped before starting again. The term is often used when referring to physical activity such as sprinting or weightlifting, where the person performs intense effort for a brief period followed by rest. In other contexts, it can also refer to short periods of concentration or work followed by breaks, or even short spurts of communication or activity in social situations.