Before you can say Jack Robinson
phrase
This phrase is used to say that something happened very quickly, or will happen almost immediately.
I told him to keep quiet, and before you can say Jack Robinson, he had told the whole story.
Often appears as...
- happen before you can say jack robinson
- finish before you can say jack robinson
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
This phrase is used to say that something happened very quickly, or will happen almost immediately.
I told him to keep quiet, and before you can say Jack Robinson, he had told the whole story.
Often appears as...
- happen before you can say jack robinson
- finish before you can say jack robinson
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Speed Implication
It suggests something happens so quickly it's almost surprising.
She accepted the job offer before you can say Jack Robinson.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
It's an informal saying, used more in casual conversations than in formal writing.
He packed his bags and was gone before you can say Jack Robinson.
Pro Tip 3/3Hyperbole Alert
It's an exaggeration, as no action literally takes that short amount of time.
The cookies sold out before you can say Jack Robinson.
Pro Tip 1/3Speed Implication
It suggests something happens so quickly it's almost surprising.
She accepted the job offer before you can say Jack Robinson.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
It's an informal saying, used more in casual conversations than in formal writing.
He packed his bags and was gone before you can say Jack Robinson.
Pro Tip 3/3Hyperbole Alert
It's an exaggeration, as no action literally takes that short amount of time.
The cookies sold out before you can say Jack Robinson.
Pro Tip 1/3Speed Implication
It suggests something happens so quickly it's almost surprising.
She accepted the job offer before you can say Jack Robinson.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
It's an informal saying, used more in casual conversations than in formal writing.
He packed his bags and was gone before you can say Jack Robinson.
Pro Tip 3/3Hyperbole Alert
It's an exaggeration, as no action literally takes that short amount of time.
The cookies sold out before you can say Jack Robinson.
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