Who started the idiom a hop skip and jump away?

There's no definitive answer to who first used the idiom "a hop, skip, and jump away." It's a phrase that likely evolved organically over time, with its roots in common human experience.

Here's why:

* Ancient Origins: The actions of hopping, skipping, and jumping are universal and have been around for centuries. Children throughout history have engaged in these playful movements.

* Folklore and Literature: The phrase might have sprung from oral storytelling or folklore, where simple and evocative descriptions were preferred.

* Gradual Evolution: The idiom likely evolved gradually, starting as a simple description and becoming more refined over time.

Therefore, pinpointing the exact origin is difficult. It's more important to recognize the idiom's enduring power in conveying a sense of close proximity and ease of access.