Idiom
bits and bobs
Meanings
A mixture of small, miscellaneous objects.
Small, minor tasks or jobs that need to be done.
Definition
A variety of small, miscellaneous items or tasks that are not very important on their own.
"Bits and bobs" means a mixed collection of small things, often ordinary objects that don’t belong together. It is commonly used in British English to talk about items lying around at home, in a bag, or in storage. It can also refer to small, minor jobs or tasks that need doing.
Examples
- I spent the afternoon sorting out bits and bobs in the kitchen drawer.
- Can you pick up some bits and bobs from the shop for me?
- The garage is full of bits and bobs I’ve collected over the years.
- I’ll do a few bits and bobs before dinner and then relax.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use this phrase for large or important items, but it is mainly for small, miscellaneous things or minor tasks.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (noun phrase)s
- green thumb A green thumb is a natural ability to grow and care for plants successfully.
- mug's game A mug's game is an activity that is pointless, foolish, or not worth the effort, often because the …
- neck of the woods A “neck of the woods” is a particular area or neighborhood, especially where someone lives or is vi…
- storm in a teacup A “storm in a teacup” is a situation where people get very upset about something that is actually n…
- wild goose chase A wild goose chase is a futile search that wastes time because the goal is impossible or unlikely t…