bob up
Idioms-
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]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“That’s the reason why we’ve seen prices basically bob up and down.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026
Their heads and necks will bob up and down, more closely resembling lances drawn and thrust in a medieval battle than silly birds comically bumbling around.
From Salon • Nov. 25, 2022
Make the green banana puree: In a medium pot, cover the bananas with water to submerge them; the bananas will bob up and down.
From Washington Post • Sep. 3, 2021
He wanted Gormley to be “long and low,” adjusting his walk to a nice stride and having his head bob up and down to get a rhythm going.
From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2017
She plans to bob up again after the many don’ts to do what she wants.
From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.