jack-in-the-box

noun3

1. •
   Children’s toy consisting of a small box from which a male figure pops out unexpectedly after some turnings of a crank.

   • "Did you venture to call me a liar?" ("No, sir, no!" shouted the accused, and disappeared like a Jack-in-the-box.) — 1912
2. •
   (historical) A small but powerful kind of screw, used by burglars to break open safes.

   • It was possible, from underneath, to use the old jack-in-the-box safe-breaker's tool which lay in his gasman's bag. — 2013
3. •
   (no longer used) A con-man who deceived tradesmen by substituting empty boxes for others full of money.