jack-in-the-box
or jack-in-a-box
[jak-in-th uh-boks]
|
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.
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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
Contemporary Examples of jack-in-the-box
The jack-in-the-box has popped, just as we expected it to, but it still made us gasp.
Historical Examples of jack-in-the-box
The man obeyed, with the suddenness of a jack-in-the-box, and stood as if petrified.
The Heart of Thunder MountainEdfrid A. Bingham
People expressed their commiseration for a woman married to that Jack-in-the-box.
Amy FosterJoseph Conrad
Hasn't he brought you a pincushion or a jack-in-the-box, Lady Raikes?
The removal of the burden was almost like unsnapping the cover of a Jack-in-the-box.
Elsie Marley, HoneyJoslyn Gray
My man on the bed popped with the agility of a jack-in-the-box for the window.
Desert DustEdwin L. Sabin
jack-in-the-box
noun plural jack-in-the-boxes or jacks-in-the-box
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
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper