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by Spixxy on July 2nd, 2004

Spixxy

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What does "Bob's your uncle" mean?

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  • by anguilla on July 5th, 2004

    anguilla

    THESE TWO DIFFERENT SOURCES AGREE.

    SOURCE 1:
    This phrase, meaning "everything will work out in the end," refers to a political appointment made in 1887.

    Britain's then Prime Minister Lord Salisbury (first name Robert) gave the post of Secretary for Ireland to a man called Arthur Balfour who was considered by many to be too young and naive for the post, especially as the question of Irish Independence was being considered at the time. The phrase entered common parlance because Balfour was Lord Salisbury's nephew, hence 'Bob's your uncle'.
    ---http://www.idler.co.uk/html/frontsection/phrases/bobsyouruncle.htm

    SOURCE 2 HAS THE BEST EXAMPLE:
    "You go and ask for the job -- and he remembers your name -- and
    Bob's your uncle." It dates from circa 1890.

    This British phrase means "all will be well" or "simple as that":
    ---http://alt-usage-english.org/excerpts/fxbobsyo.html

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  • by chris3001 on December 14th, 2005

    chris3001

    It can be used in this way:

    I turn the switch up and "bob's your uncle", the light comes on.

    Meaning, 'abracadabra', or thereabouts, in relevance to everyday circumstances, problems and their solutions, etc.

    Simple as that, etc.

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