What does the idiom "before one can say Jack Robinson" mean?
Are you using the idiom before one can say Jack Robinson but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the before one can say Jack Robinson idiom and the situations in which it is used.
Meaning of "before one can say Jack Robinson"
Meaning
The phrase 'before one can say Jack Robinson' is a British idiom that is used to describe something which happens very quickly or in an instant. It suggests that time passes in a very short period, faster than it takes to say the name 'Jack Robinson', which is just two syllables.
Etymology
The origin of the phrase is unclear. It is thought to have come from an old English nursery rhyme or game, but no one knows for sure what the original rhyme actually was or how the phrase became popular. It is also possible that Jack Robinson was a real person (or a fictitious character) whose name was used to indicate a very short period of time.
Usage
The phrase is usually used to emphasize the speed at which something happened. It can be used to describe an action that happened quickly, or a situation that changed suddenly without warning. The phrase is used particularly in the UK, and is often combined with other phrases for emphasis, such as "in no time at all" or "before you can blink".
Example Sentences
- My computer crashed before I could say Jack Robinson!
- The teacher caught me out of my seat before I could say Jack Robinson!
- The storm passed before anyone could say Jack Robinson.
- He was able to finish the race before you could say Jack Robinson!
The power of idioms transcends languages!
"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.
NO COMMENT
No comment has been written about before one can say Jack Robinson yet, you can write the first comment and share your thoughts with our other visitors.