jack-in-the-box
noun
a toy consisting of a box from which an enclosed figure springs up when the lid is opened.
jack-in-the-boxes
-
pluralof jack-in-the-box.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The charm and experimental spontaneity of A Hard Day's Night has here been replaced by highly professional, carefully calculated camera work and cutting, plus a story line made out of finely wrought jack-in-the-boxes.
From Time Magazine Archive
Dolls and drums and horns, jack-in-the-boxes, toy lambs, furry dogs, soft white rabbits stuck out in every direction.
From Little Friend Lydia by Ethel Calvert Phillips
She laughed pretty laughs; she admired everything; she took out the darling little jack-in-the-boxes, and was so obliged to Sam.
From The History of Pendennis, Volume 2 His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy by William Makepeace Thackeray
He has got a hat full of jack-in-the-boxes.
From The International Magazine, Volume 2, No. 2, January, 1851 by Various
