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uncle tom cobley and all
Uncle Tom Cobleigh and all
uncle tom cobley and all
01
used for referring to a list of people or items that is frustratingly long
Dialect
British
British
Humorous
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "Uncle Tom Cobley and all" and when to use it?
The idiom "Uncle Tom Cobley and all" originates from the English folk ballad "Widdicombe Fair." This traditional song tells the story of a journey to the village fair in Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Devon, England. In the song, a long list of characters is mentioned, with Uncle Tom Cobley usually being the last name on the list. This expression is used to humorously refer to a large or diverse group of people or things. It is often employed to emphasize inclusivity or to indicate an exhaustive list.
Examples
The meeting included managers, consultants, lawyers, Uncle Tom Cobley and all.
