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uncle tom cobley and all
01
used for referring to a list of people or items that is frustratingly long
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.
Example
Everyone from the Prime Minister, to the Governor of the Bank of England, to the Mayor of London, to the Director of the IMF, to Uncle Tom Cobley and all convinced us that we needed these austerity measures to survive the recession.
The company's new product launch was attended by journalists, influencers, and Uncle Tom Cobley and all.
They've invited politicians, business leaders, celebrities, and Uncle Tom Cobley and all to their gala event.
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