释义 |
jack-in-the-box \ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\ noun (plural jack-in-the-boxes also jacks-in-the-box) Usage: sometimes capitalized J 1. obsolete : sharper, cheat 2. : a child's toy consisting of a box out of which a figure springs when the lid is raised 3. : any of several mechanical contrivances: as a. : differential gear b. : a large wooden screw turning in a nut attached to the crosspiece of a rude press c. : a lifting jack : jackscrew d. : a burglar's tool for opening doors or safes by means of a small but powerful screw e. : a jim-crow reversing tool f. : sun-and-planet motion |