Jack-in-the-box

Quick meaning: Jack-in-the-box is a noun meaning Children’s toy consisting of a small box from which a male figure pops out unexpectedly after some turnings of a crank.

Meaning

Children’s toy consisting of a small box from which a male figure pops out unexpectedly after some turnings of a crank.

More Meanings

1. (historical) A small but powerful kind of screw, used by burglars to break open safes.
2. (obsolete) A con-man who deceived tradesmen by substituting empty boxes for others full of money.

Example Sentences

"Did you venture to call me a liar?" ("No, sir, no!" shouted the accused, and disappeared like a Jack-in-the-box.)

It was possible, from underneath, to use the old jack-in-the-box safe-breaker's tool which lay in his gasman's bag.

“There’s this terrible business to start with. Scotland Yard men in and out of the house like a jack-in-the-box! Never know where they won’t turn up next.”

Normally, you ring a bell and you have at least a half-minute wait before the door opens. But this person was like a jack-in-the-box. He pressed the bell—and out she popped! It made him jump.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include jack-in-a-box, jukebox, supplejack, jackbox, juke, clackbox.

Related Dictionary Tools