Do you want to improve your English and take it to the next level? All you need to do is listen to this podcast and Bob’s your Uncle!

We look at family idioms today.

Feedback from Alberto Rolando from Milano, Italy
What’s the difference between people and persons?

Alberto also asks about the expression Bob’s your Uncle! – It’s a good idea to listen to podcasts while you’re walking your dog!

Bob’s your uncle – success is guaranteed / everything’s alright – It dates back to 1887, when British Prime Minister Robert Cecil (a.k.a. Lord Salisbury) decided to appoint a certain Arthur Balfour to the prestigious and sensitive post of Chief Secretary for Ireland.
There’s more information on Word Detective at: http://www.word-detective.com/back-f.html

How do I get to your house? – Come out of the train station, take the first on the right. Walk about 100 meters and Bob’s your uncle!

Like father, like son – when a son takes after his father

Big Brother – Government, viewed as an intrusive force in the lives of citizens; government spying – Big Brother is watching you! (Term first used in Orwell’s novel “1984” to describe the all-powerful, omnipresent leader, who could spy on everyone.)

A chip off the old block – a son or daughter who is just like their father/mother in character, looks or temperament

To take after someone in your family – to look like or act like someone older than you in your family

It runs in the family – if you share a talent or a personality trait with another family

To be a father figure – A mentor, a person who offers guidance
Reza has always been a father figure to me. He gave me lots of valuable advice.

Mum’s the word – it’s a secret, don’t tell anyone.

You can’t teach your grandmother to suck eggs – it means you can’t tell your elders anything they don’t know already.

The black sheep of the family – someone who didn’t fit in, or caused a fa mily scandal.

The prodigal son – a person who leaves home to lead a prodigal life but later makes a repentant return

Blood is thicker than water – if you’re loyal to your family and believe family are more important than friends.

To be in the family way – pregnant. My wife’s in the family way.

A mummy’s boy – a boy/man excessively influenced by his mother.

Son of a gun! – (American) colloquial expression to curse someone

The world and his wife – everybody.
The whole world and his wife have heard of Mickey Mouse! Who doesn’t know Mickey Mouse?

Bromance – brotherly love between two male friends

My old man/lady – spouse – derogatory

Throw the baby out with the bath water – Eliminating something good while trying to do something else. Under the new council traffic rules, many quiet streets are now full of cars.

Home truths – honest and painful criticism

Kids’ stuff / child’s play – something easy or simple to do

Mother Nature – nature; the natural way of things

Old wives’ tales – traditional beliefs which are scientifically incorrect

Sugar daddy – an older man who’s very generous to his young girlfriend/wife

How’s your father – Sex (slightly old-fashioned)
If my new relationship goes well, I might get some how’s your father, if I’m lucky!

…and now it’s your turn to practise your English.
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On next week’s episode: Expressions with MIND

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