What Does the Phrase "Bob’s Your Uncle" Mean?

PDF download Download Article
Find out all about this quirky British saying
PDF download Download Article

The phrase “Bob's your uncle” is one of the most colorful sayings used in the UK today, but what exactly does it mean? If you're curious, we're here to help! Read on to learn all about this humorous idiom, including how it's used and its quirky history.

What does the British idiom “Bob’s your uncle” mean?

“Bob’s your uncle” is a popular UK phrase people often say after explaining a set of instructions. It roughly means “and it's as simple as that” or “and there you have it.” For example, you might hear a British person explain directions and conclude with “and Bob’s your uncle” to emphasize how easy the directions are.

Section 1 of 3:

Definition and Usage

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Get-Your-Crush-to-Talk-to-You-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Your-Crush-to-Talk-to-You-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Get-Your-Crush-to-Talk-to-You-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Your-Crush-to-Talk-to-You-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “Bob’s your uncle” means something is easy to do or complete. You may feel an underlying sense of encouragement when someone says, “Bob’s your uncle” to you; it’s almost like they’re saying, “See how simple it is? You can do it!” The phrase often appears at the end of a set of instructions to emphasize how easy the process is. [1]
    • For example, you might say, “Go down Main Street, turn right, and find the house with the blue front door; Bob’s your uncle.”
    • Popular phrases with similar meanings include “it's as simple as that,” "and there you go," and “and there you have it."
  2. 2
    “Bob’s your uncle” can also refer to a successful result. “All finished” and “all good” represent similar definitions for “Bob’s your uncle” when linked with success. People often use “Bob’s your uncle” to conclude any story where the problem gets solved. [2]
    • A good example is, “You didn’t buy enough snacks for the party. Luckily, Sara just arrived and brought more snacks with her, so Bob’s your uncle.”
    • Other sayings with a similar meaning include “you’re all set," “you’ve got it made,” and “no problem.”
    3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Origins of the Phrase “Bob’s your Uncle”

PDF download Download Article
  1. The phrase may be a reference to Prime Minister Robert Gascoyne-Cecil. The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, but many believe it got started back in 1887 when British Prime Minister Robert Gascoyne-Cecil (also called Lord Salisbury) appointed his nephew Arthur James Balfour the Minister for Ireland. For Balfour, the Prime Minister was “Uncle Bob,” causing others to say he got the job because “Bob’s your uncle.” “Bob’s your uncle” slowly became slang used for anything seemingly reached without effort. [3]
    • Some link “Bob’s your uncle” with the 1931 song, “Follow Your Uncle Bob,” by John P. Long.{endbold} In the song, the character of Uncle Bob will make everything alright. [4]
Section 3 of 3:

Similar Sayings to “Bob’s your Uncle”

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Get-Your-Crush-to-Talk-to-You-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Your-Crush-to-Talk-to-You-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Get-Your-Crush-to-Talk-to-You-Step-7-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Your-Crush-to-Talk-to-You-Step-7-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    They include, “There you go!” or “And there you have it.” Others cite more colorful American phrases as its equivalent, like referring to something as a “piece of cake” or “easy as pie.” [5]
    • The French variation of “Bob’s your uncle” is “et voilà.” This French phrase means “there you go” in English. [6]
    • “Hey Presto” is a take on “Bob’s your uncle” used by magicians doing a magic trick. It derives from the Italian “presto,” meaning “quickly,” to let audiences know that the trick has been successful through magic. [7]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Smooth-Talk-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Smooth-Talk-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Smooth-Talk-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Smooth-Talk-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Many Brits also use the saying, “Fanny’s your aunt,” often in conjunction with Bob, as a way to emphasize success. For example, “Bob's your uncle and Fanny's your aunt.” [8]
    3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Everything You Need to Know About Skibidi & Skibidi Toilet
      What Does "Sigma" Mean on TikTok?
      What Does "Bop" Mean in Slang & Why Is It Problematic for Girls?
      What Does "I'm Cooked" Mean? TikTok Slang, Explained
      What Does "Unc Status" Mean?
      What does "2 Man" Mean?
      What Did Doc Holliday Mean by “I’m Your Huckleberry”?
      Everything You Need to Know About the “My Roman Empire” TikTok Trend
      What Is Glazing?
      What Does GGG Mean?
      Your Ultimate Guide to Millennial Slang
      What Zesty Really Means on TikTok
      What Does Fanum Tax Mean & Where Did It Come From?
      What Does the Slang Term “FAFO” Mean? (Plus How to Use It)
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://writingexplained.org/idiom-dictionary/bobs-your-uncle
      2. ↑ https://writingexplained.org/idiom-dictionary/bobs-your-uncle
      3. ↑ https://theslangpodcast.com/what-does-bobs-your-uncle-and-fannys-your-aunt-mean-in-british-slang/
      4. ↑ https://writingexplained.org/idiom-dictionary/bobs-your-uncle
      5. ↑ https://leaningtowardwisdom.com/and-bobs-your-uncle-it-is-about-the-destination-season-2021-episode-7/
      6. ↑ https://www.wordhippo.com/what-is/the-meaning-of/french-word-et_voila.html
      7. ↑ https://dictionary.langeek.co/en/word/226058
      8. ↑ https://theslangpodcast.com/what-does-bobs-your-uncle-and-fannys-your-aunt-mean-in-british-slang/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 78 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement