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before one can say Jack Robinson

before one can say Jack Robinson {adv. cl.}, {informal}

Very quickly; suddenly. — An overused phrase.

Before I could say Jack Robinson, the boy was gone.

Compare: IN A FLASH, RIGHT AWAY.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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Jack Robinson

[Jack Robinson] See: [BEFORE ONE CAN SAY JACK ROBINSON]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

in the twinkling of an eye

[in the twinkling of an eye] See: [BEFORE ONE CAN SAY JACK ROBINSON]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

between two shakes of a lambs tail

[between two shakes of a lamb's tail] See: [BEFORE ONE CAN SAY JACK ROBINSON]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

jack up

[jack up] {v.} 1. To lift with a jack. * /The man jacked up his car to fit a flat tire./ 2. {informal} To make (a price) higher; raise. * […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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