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jack-in-the-box
[ jak-in-thuh-boks ]
noun
- a toy consisting of a box from which an enclosed figure springs up when the lid is opened.
jack-in-the-box
noun
- a toy consisting of a figure on a compressed spring in a box, which springs out when the lid is opened
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Word History and Origins
Origin of jack-in-the-box1
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Example Sentences
The jack-in-the-box has popped, just as we expected it to, but it still made us gasp.
A little drawer shoots out almost in my face, startling me like a jack-in-the-box.
Sergeant Jimmy Bagby kept bobbing up and down like a pudgy jack-in-the-box that is slightly stiff in its joints.
Jack-in-the-box was the minister, because the little mistress thought he stood better than anyone else.
Out of the jungle of machinery way back a head popped up like a Jack-in-the-box.
Inside I compressed one of those jack-in-the-box snakes that spring out when free to do so.
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