Bob's your uncle

Bob's your uncle

A phrase used to emphasize how easily or quickly something can be done. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. All you have to do is combine all of the ingredients in one pot, let it cook, and then Bob's your uncle, dinner is ready!
See also: uncle
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

Bob's your uncle

BRITISH
You can say Bob's your uncle to show that something is easy and quick to achieve. You just tag along with a teacher for a while, and in a year, Bob's your uncle, you are a teacher too. If the boiler ever gets too hot, the safety valve releases all the excess steam, and Bob's your uncle. No problem. Note: This expression dates back to a political scandal in Britain in 1886. The Prime Minister Robert Cecil gave his nephew the position of Chief Secretary for Ireland, and many people criticized him for this. The name `Bob' is short for `Robert'.
See also: uncle
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

Bob's your uncle

everything is fine; problem solved. British informal
Bob is a familiar form of the name Robert . The origin of the phrase is often said to be in the controversial appointment in 1887 of the young Arthur Balfour to the important post of Chief Secretary for Ireland by his uncle Lord Salisbury , whose first name was Robert . The problem with this explanation is that the phrase is not recorded until the 1930s.
1996 Colin Bateman Of Wee Sweetie Mice and Men I couldn't believe how easy it was to get. Just walked into a shop, signed a piece of paper, and Bob's your uncle.
See also: uncle
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

(and) Bob’s your ˈuncle

(British English, informal) often used after explaining how to do something, solve a problem, etc. to emphasize how easy it is: To make the alarm go off at the right time, you just press this button, set the clock, and Bob’s your uncle! Bob is a short form of the name ‘Robert’. This phrase might refer to the prime minister Robert Cecil. In 1887 he unexpectedly decided to give an important government position to his nephew, who was not considered a very important politician.
See also: uncle
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • Robert's your father's brother
  • ark
  • ark at ee
  • any fool can/could...
  • any fool could (do something)
  • and how
  • and how!
  • AIIC
  • no fox given
References in periodicals archive
They said if he was in charge, everything would be well, hence "Bob's your uncle."
A little Afghan trivia
Moonshine Creek, second on unsuitably soft ground at Warwick last time, found underfoot conditions more to his liking in the 1m3f handicap and - having taken command off the home turn under Chris Catlin - the 5-1 shot just held the late challenge of Bob's Your Uncle. "He was probably in front a bit early," said winning trainer Peter Hiatt, "but having said that, the few lengths he was able to take out of his field early in the straight probably won it for him in the end."
France on the menu for Triple Aspect; BATH Saturday
BOB'S YOUR UNCLE, OR COACH: Ireland's Padraig Harrington, the Open Champion in practice at Royal Birkdale, puts his success down mostly to two people, both called Bob, who are in his back-up team
Golf: TIGER WHO? Winner won't care a jot he's missing: Els
Now, whenever I fancy a break from hostilities I nip out to Currys, buy the fanciest iron on show and Bob's your Uncle (no offence).
Thanks to Mark for marriage tactics
The campaign with headlines such as "Every Penny Helps", "Bob's your Uncle", "Rose Blooms" and "It's time for a Frank approach" inspired by the Home Care team and created by TMP is now hailed as an example of best practice across the public sector.
Innovative adverts frankly attract new staff to social care
6 Bob's Your Uncle was specifically for what group of the population?
COFFEE TIME: Screen test
Sendinpost was held up over this two-mile trip last week and she stayed on well to hold Bob's Your Uncle by three-quarters of a length.
Send for blazing Buick
She thinks you're a gentleman who's looking after her best interests, Bob's your uncle, shopping done, soon it'll be home time!"
Helen Legh Unplugged; ...and now for my man's tips for easy shopping..
Throw in Kate Beckinsale as the sexy PVC-clad vampire heroine Selene, Bill Nighy as lord of the undead Viktor, some man-changing-into-werewolf special effects, and set it all in a gothicfeeling gloomy urban landscape, and Bob's your uncle.
Culture: Vampires lack bite; Underworld Entertainment in Video Certificate 15 VHS pounds 12.99/DVD pounds 19.99 Out now
Ever practical with his hands, Dale gives it a quick tug, a sharp yank and Bob's your uncle, drama over.
You've been framed: Dale Winton - West End wedgie...; DALE HAS A SPOT OF CONE TROUBLE
Twist a couple of levers, pull the roof back, open the stowage compartment in the rear, fold it away and Bob's your uncle. Roof down, the Streetka's Audi TT-style roll hoops are exposed, which looks funky.
Motor Max: GIRL POWER; The sporty Streetka may be a hit with Kylie but it's definitely not for the boys
He gets past his two years, he's got a young wife pushing a stroller, his own PMQ, the beer-belly is coming along and Bob's your uncle for the next twenty years.
Restructuring our Army: a soldier's thoughts
Just blend three raw ingredients - coconut oil such as Vita Coca, honey and lemon juice - and Bob's your uncle...
Be good to glow with Tara's new mask
Sprinkle on some cripsy bacon and Bob's your uncle.
YOUR RECIPE with Carli-Jayne McNaught from The Olde Young Tea House; YOUR GAZETTE This is your chance to send in details of what you've been up to. Fitness, faith, hobbies, work and play - we want to hear all about it. To take part just as today's readers have, go to www.gazettelive.co.uk/yourgazette and you will find a list of subjects, a quick form to fill in and even a space to attach a photo or two!
BOB'S YOUR UNCLE: Barb Jungr sings Bob Dylan at the Rodewald Suite
Barb brings Dylan show from New York to the Phil