Bob's your uncle facts for kids
"Bob's your uncle" is a fun phrase used in the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries. It basically means "and there it is!" or "it's all done!" People often say it after giving simple instructions. It's like saying "easy peasy!" or "you've got it!" The meaning is similar to the French phrase "et voilà!".
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Where Did "Bob's Your Uncle" Come From?
The exact start of the phrase "Bob's your uncle" isn't totally clear. But there's a popular story about it.
In 1887, a Conservative Prime Minister named Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury was in charge. People often called him "Bob." He made his nephew, Arthur Balfour, a very important government official called the Chief Secretary for Ireland.
This was seen as an example of nepotism. Nepotism is when someone in power gives a job or special treatment to a family member, even if other people might be better suited for the role. Many people thought Arthur Balfour got the job mainly because "Bob was his uncle."
The Mystery of the Phrase's Age
There's a small problem with this story being the true origin. The phrase "Bob's your uncle" didn't appear in print until much later. The first time it was seen in writing was in an advertisement for a new song in 1923.
If the story about Prime Minister Bob and his nephew was so famous, you might expect the phrase to show up in books or newspapers much sooner. It's a bit of a mystery why it took almost 40 years to appear in print if that's where it truly began!
Other Ways to Say "It's Done!"
Many phrases are like "Bob's your uncle." They are used when something is easier or quicker than expected. Or when you're just happy about how something turned out!
- Bob's your uncle and Fanny's your aunt: This is a longer version of the phrase. Sometimes, people spell "your" as "yer."
- Piece of cake: This is an informal way to say something was very easy to do.
- It's a doddle or it's a cinch: These are other slang phrases that mean something is super easy.
- Easy peasy: This is a more childish way to say something was very easy.
Phrases for Feeling Proud or Happy
These phrases show you're happy with what you've achieved:
- Job done: You say this when you've finished something. It's often used when it felt easier or quicker than you thought.
- Job's a good'un: This is slang that means "and there you go!" or "it's finished and everyone is happy with it!"
- Lovely jubbly: This phrase became famous from the main character, Del Boy, in the English TV show Only Fools And Horses. It means "great job," "good news," or "everything is finished and perfect!"
- It's in the bag: This means "the job is done," or "you've got it!" It suggests success is guaranteed.
- Back of the net: This literally means scoring a goal in sports. But it's used to mean "success!" or "victory at last!" It shows you're really happy with the result.
See also
- Garnet Wolseley, 1st Viscount Wolseley, who inspired another phrase: "everything's all Sir Garnet."
