The idiom commonly used to describe a very long time is "donkey's years."
This idiomatic expression is widely understood in English to denote an extremely extended period. When someone says something has been "donkey's years," they are emphasizing that a significant amount of time has passed.
Understanding "Donkey's Years"
The phrase "donkey's years" is a colloquial and expressive way to convey the idea of a lengthy duration. It is believed to have originated from the perceived long lifespan of donkeys, or perhaps their slow pace, suggesting that time passes slowly when associated with them. Regardless of its precise etymology, its meaning is clear: a considerably long time.
How to Use "Donkey's Years"
This idiom can be integrated into various sentences to emphasize the passage of time. It's often used in informal contexts but is widely understood across different registers.
- Examples of Usage:
- "I haven't seen my cousin in donkey's years!" (Meaning: I haven't seen my cousin for a very long time.)
- "It feels like donkey's years since we last went on a proper vacation."
- "They've been living in that old house for donkey's years."
- "We waited donkey's years for the bus to arrive."
Summary Table
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Donkey's Years | A very long time | "It's been donkey's years since I've had pie." |
Other Idioms for Long Periods
While "donkey's years" is a specific and popular choice, other English idioms and phrases can also convey a long duration, though perhaps with slightly different nuances or levels of formality:
- Ages: "It's been ages since we caught up."
- Since the year dot: "That building has been there since the year dot."
- Forever and a day: "I could listen to this music forever and a day."
These expressions all serve to highlight the considerable passage of time, making "donkey's years" a vibrant and effective choice for describing a very long duration.
