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bob

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bits and bobs

Sundry little items, tasks, or chores. Primarily heard in UK. I'm almost finished, I just have a few bits and bobs to do around the house before we leave. I never thought it would take me this long to pack, but I have so many bits and bobs scattered around the house!

See also: and, bit, bob

bob up

1. Literally, to move up into view above the surface of something. Otters often bob up in this part of the harbor, so it's a great place to take photographs.

2. To appear, arise, or come into being quickly and/or unexpectedly. We thought the meeting was over until several questions bobbed up from the back row. The city is deceptively small, and acquaintances often bob up at the most unexpected places.

See also: bob, up

Two Bob

1. slang A 10-pence coin. Typically capitalized. Primarily heard in UK. Grandma gave me a Two Bob for my birthday!

2. slang A 20-cent coin. Primarily heard in Australia. Grandma gave me a two bob for my birthday!

See also: bob, two

bits and pieces

  (British, American & Australian) also bits and bobs (British)

small things of different types Can you tidy away all your bits and pieces before you go to bed? I put all the bits and bobs I can't find a home for in this drawer.

See love to bits

See also: and, bit, piece

Bob's your uncle!

  (British & Australian informal)

something that you say after you have explained how to do something, to emphasize that it will be simple and successful You simply put on the stain remover, leave it for an hour and Bob's your uncle, the stain's gone.

not be short of a bob or two

  (British & Australian old-fashioned)

to have a lot of money This guy Lester that she's engaged to, he's not short of a bob or two you know.

See also: bob, of, short, two

bob up

Appear suddenly or unexpectedly. For example, I didn't know anyone in the group until Harry bobbed up. This term uses the verb bob in the sense of "to bounce," a usage dating from Chaucer's day. [Late 1800s]

See also: bob, up

bob up

v.

To come to the surface quickly, especially after being underneath for a short time: I didn't think anyone else was swimming in the pond, but then someone's head bobbed up right in front of me.

See also: bob, up

been bobbing for fries

phr. [has] a really ugly face. (As if badly burned.) Look at that face. Been bobbing for fries, I guess.

See also: been, bob, fries