Jack Robinson - Before you can say

Definitions

• quickly
  To emphasize the speed with which something happens or is done

• unexpectedly
  To emphasize how suddenly something happens or changes

Examples of Jack Robinson - Before you can say

• Before you can say "I'm hungry", your child can fill the entire kitchen with snack bowls and crumbs.

  This idiom is used to express how quickly something unexpected can happen, especially when you're not prepared for it. In this case, it's implying that a mess can be made quickly in the kitchen, even before you can admit to being hungry. The phrase "I'm hungry" is used as an example because it's a common expression people use when they're feeling hungry.

• Before you can say "Goodbye", she's already planned your next vacation together.

  This example highlights how quickly someone can make plans or decisions, even before you've finished saying goodbye. It's using the phrase "Goodbye" as a example because it's a phrase often associated with saying farewell or ending something.

• Before you can say "I'm tired", your day has already ended and you're already in bed.

  This example is stating that sometimes, unexpected events or circumstances can quickly lead to fatigue or exhaustion, making you feel tired before you can even realize it. It's using the phrase "I'm tired" as an example because it's commonly used to express feelings of weariness or exhaustion.

• Before you can say "I've got this", everything that can go wrong, has gone wrong.

  This example is showing that despite our confidence or optimism, things don't always go as planned. It's using the phrase "I've got this" as an example because it's a phrase often used to express feelings of self-assurance or control over a situation. In this case, the phrase is being used in a sarcastic or ironic way to suggest that, in fact, everything has gone wrong before you've even had a chance to say you're in control.

• The paint will be dry before Jack Robinson can say "pass me the brush, please."

  This idiom is used to express that something will happen incredibly quickly, literally before someone named Jack Robinson can even ask for something related to that action. In this case, "pass me the brush, please" is an example of such a request, and "before Jack Robinson can say it" means that the paint will already be dry by the time Jack even thinks of making this request.

• My spouse will forget about the argument before Jack Robinson can say "apology."

  This idiom is used to express that something will happen incredibly quickly, literally before someone named Jack Robinson can even apologize for something. In this case, the argument will be resolved so quickly that Jack Robinson won't even have time to say "apology," which implies the speed of its resolution.

• The sun will rise before Jack Robinson can say "goodnight."

  This idiom is used to express that something will happen incredibly quickly, literally before someone named Jack Robinson can even say "goodnight." In this case, "goodnight" is an example of a greeting, and "before Jack Robinson can say it" means that the sun will already be rising by the time Jack even thinks of saying "goodnight."

• She'll find a solution before Jack Robinson can say "problem."

  This idiom is used to express that something will happen incredibly quickly, literally before someone named Jack Robinson can even identify an issue as a "problem." In this case, "find a solution" implies that the issue will be resolved so quickly that Jack Robinson won't even have time to say "problem," which implies the speed of its resolution.

Conclusion

The idiom "Jack Robinson - Before you can say" is used to express rapidity or suddenness. It can be used to emphasize how quickly something is done or how suddenly something happens.

Origin of "Jack Robinson - Before you can say"

The origin of the idiom "Jack Robinson - Before you can say" is not entirely clear. One theory is that it originated from a popular song in the 18th century, which included the line "I'll be with you in a jiffy, I'll be back before you can say Jack Robinson." Another theory suggests that it could be linked to a fast-talking gentleman named Jack Robinson, who was known for his quick actions and decisions.

Regardless of its origin, the idiom has been in use for centuries and has become a common way to emphasize speed and suddenness in everyday language. Its association with the name "Jack Robinson" adds a touch of whimsy to the expression, making it memorable and easily understood. Examples of this idiom can be found in literature, music, and everyday conversation, demonstrating its enduring popularity and relevance.