PhrasesHub

Donkey's years

    Definitions

      • a long period of time
        to express a significant amount of time that has passed

      • a very long time
        to emphasize the length of time that has passed

      • a very long time
        to express that something has been happening for a long time

    Examples of Donkey's years

    • The chair that grandma used to sit on for donkey's years is finally being replaced.

      This idiom is used to describe an extremely long period of time, in this case, the chair has been used for an indefinite length of time, potentially many years, before now being replaced.

    • The computer software had been obsolete for donkey's years, but with the new update, it is now more efficient than ever.

      Here, the idiom is used to highlight that the software was outdated for an unspecified length of time, potentially many years, before the update was implemented.

    • The musician had been playing the same song for donkey's years at every gig, but finally decided to add some variety to the setlist.

      The idiom is employed to denote how long the musician had been playing the same song, implying it had been played for an undetermined amount of time, possibly a long time.

    • The photograph of my grandparents had been gathering dust for donkey's years, but it still held a special place in my heart.

      The idiom is used to indicate that the photograph has been untouched for an indeterminate amount of time, potentially many years, before being seen in the grandchild's possession.

    • Jack knew Alison for donkey's years, ever since they were kids.

      This idiom is used to describe a very long time spent together, implying that the time period is so long that it's almost as long as a donkey's lifetime (which is generally around 50 years). By saying Jack knew Alison for donkey's years, we're emphasizing just how long their friendship has lasted.

    • I've been a lover of poetry for donkey's years, ever since I was introduced to it in high school.

      The idiom is used here to say that the person has been interested in poetry for a very long time. Again, the length of time being compared to that of a donkey reflects how much longer it has been compared to other lifetime measures.

    • Our manager has been working for the company for donkey's years, and he knows every single employee by name.

      In this case, the idiom is being used to emphasize just how long someone has worked at a particular company. It suggests that they have been there for a very long time and are an integral part of the organization.

    • The company has been struggling for donkey's years, and it's time for a change.

      Here, the idiom is being used to describe a very long period of time, during which something has remained the same (the company struggling). It highlights how long this struggle has been ongoing, suggesting that it is perhaps time for a new approach or plan.


    Conclusion

    In general, the idiom "donkey's years" is used to describe a long period of time, often to emphasize the length of time that has passed or to express that something has been happening for a long time. It can also be used to simply mean a very long time.

    This idiom is often used in a figurative sense, comparing the length of time to the lifespan of a donkey, which is known for its longevity. It is believed to have originated in Britain in the late 19th or early 20th century, as the phrase "donkey's years" was first recorded in British English in 1891. However, the exact origin of the idiom is unknown.

    Origin of "Donkey's years"

    The origin of the idiom "donkey's years" is uncertain, but there are a few theories about its origin. One theory suggests that it may have originated from the phrase "donkey's ears," which means a long time. This phrase may have been shortened to "donkey's years" over time.

    Another theory proposes that the idiom may have originated from the fact that donkeys were often used for hard labor and were known for their stubbornness and longevity. This could have led to the comparison of a long period of time to the lifespan of a donkey.

    Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom "donkey's years" has been used in various forms in different languages, including French and German. It is a widely recognized idiom that is still commonly used today to describe a lengthy period of time.