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Where does the saying "Then Bob's... | Almanac.com

Where does the saying "Then Bob's...

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Where does the saying “Then Bob’s your uncle” come from? One of the guys at work uses it all the time.
Answer
It refers to Robert Salisbury, the uncle of A. J. Balfour, Britain’s prime minister from 1902 to 1905. Lord Salisbury (of steak fame) was prime minister when A.J. was just starting his political career. He got his favorite nephew plum jobs such as chief secretary for Ireland, secretary for Scotland, and president of the Local Government Board. Salisbury’s nepotism became the subject of some controversy, and the expression “Then Bob’s your uncle” came into vogue. Clearly, if Bob (Salisbury) was your uncle, you had it made.