John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.
10415 Appendix John Bartlett
| NUMBER: | 10415 |
| AUTHOR: | Appendix |
| QUOTATION: | Before you could say Jack Robinson. |
| ATTRIBUTION: | This current phrase is said to be derived from a humorous song by Hudson, a tobacconist in Shoe Lane, London. He was a professional songwriter and vocalist, who used to be engaged to sing at supper-rooms and theatrical houses. A warke it ys as easie to be done As tys to saye Jacke! robys on. |