WHY IS BOB YOUR UNCLE?

The phrase “Bob’s your uncle” indicates that something is easily done, but who is Bob, and why is he your uncle?

One theory is that this refers to Arthur James Balfour, whose uncle “Bob” was the Conservative statesman Lord Robert Salisbury. [1] In 1887, Lord Salisbury appointed his nephew the Chief Secretary for Ireland, despite widespread doubt that he was experienced enough for the post, and in 1902, Balfour succeeded his uncle as prime minister. [2,3]

Example

“Yes, it should be the simplest thing in the world – popping your cardboard, paper and plastic bottle into that box – and Bob’s your uncle.”

“Basically, you bend your knees, keep your body straight and spring up through your feet, and Bob’s your uncle.”

“May’s appeal to the public not quite Bob’s your uncle”


[1] “Bob’s your uncle” in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by Knowles, Elizabeth. Oxford University Press, 2005.
[2] “Balfour, Arthur James” In A Dictionary of Political Biography, edited by Kavanagh, Dennis, and Christopher Riches. Oxford University Press, 2014.
[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/history/past-prime-ministers/arthur-james-balfour

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