E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Jack Robinson.
Before you can say Jack Robinson. Immediately. Grose says that the saying had its birth from a very volatile gentleman of that name, who used to pay flying visits to his neighbours, and was no sooner announced than he was off again; but the following couplet does not confirm this derivation:—
