quick-change artist

Noun

quick-change artist (plural quick-change artists)

1. An entertainer whose performances involve rapid changes of costume.
   • Only then Nombe must be something of a quick-change artist since but a little while before she was beyond doubt personating the dead Mameena.1917, H. Rider Haggard, chapter 17, in Finished
   • [T]he lead can change hands in this tournament faster than a quick-change artist's costume.1940 May 17, “Thompson And Sarazen Lead”, in Telegraph-Herald, Iowa, USA, retrieved 24 May 2013, page 1
2. (broadly, figuratively) Someone who rapidly changes their views, occupations, appearance, behavior, etc.; something that rapidly changes its form or function.
   • Mr. Churchill, with his well-known ability as a quick-change artist, had become a full-blooded protectionist1931 September 17, “The Budget”, in Sydney Morning Herald, Australia, retrieved 24 May 2013, page 9
   • The worst part, the refugees say, is maneuvering survival in a war whose combatants are often quick-change artists, looking like a neighbor by day and a killer by night.1998 August 19, Diana Jean Schemo, “Colombian Rebels Broaden Offensive”, in New York Times, retrieved 24 May 2013