jack-in-the-box

or jack-in-a-box

[ jak-in-th uh-boks ]

/ ˈdʒæk ɪn ðəˌbɒks /

noun, plural jack-in-the-box·es.

a toy consisting of a box from which an enclosed figure springs up when the lid is opened.

Nearby words

jack up, jack-a-dandy, jack-by-the-hedge, jack-go-to-bed-at-noon, jack-in-office, jack-in-the-box, jack-in-the-green, jack-in-the-pulpit, jack-o'-lantern, jack-of-all-trades, jack-tar

Origin of jack-in-the-box

First recorded in 1545–55

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for jack-in-the-box

The jack-in-the-box has popped, just as we expected it to, but it still made us gasp.
Amanda Bynes Wigs Out|Kevin Fallon|May 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It was true that Jack-in-the-Box was partial to boys; in fact, nobody else could make his acquaintance.
Phaeton Rogers|Rossiter Johnson
His small car, which he drove himself, stood before the door, and from that door he flew like a Jack-in-the-box as we dashed up.
The Brightener|C. N. Williamson
Here his artistic tastes dwelt in a state of suppression, like Jack-in-the-box.
Wenderholme|Philip Gilbert Hamerton

My friend wouldn't ha' given a second thought to it if the gentleman hadn't vanished like a jack-in-the-box.
Number Seventeen|Louis Tracy
I always have to laugh at the way they pronounce his name; as they don't understand French, they call it Jack-in-the-Box.
Phaeton Rogers|Rossiter Johnson

British Dictionary definitions for jack-in-the-box

jack-in-the-box

noun plural jack-in-the-boxes or jacks-in-the-box

a toy consisting of a figure on a compressed spring in a box, which springs out when the lid is opened

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012