donkey's years


Also found in: Dictionary.
Related to donkey's years: donkey work

donkey's years

A long time. I haven't been here in donkey's years—I can't believe how much the town has changed.
See also: year

donkey's years

A long time, as in I haven't seen her in donkey's years. This expression punningly alludes to the considerable length of the animal's ears. [Early 1900s]
See also: year

donkey's years

BRITISH, INFORMAL
If something lasts or has been happening for donkey's years, it lasts or has been happening for a very long time. I've been a vegetarian for donkey's years. He owns some old iron mines that haven't been used in donkey's years. Note: This expression was originally `as long as donkey's ears', which are very long. The change to `donkey's years' may have come about partly because the expression is used to talk about time, and partly because the original form is difficult to say clearly.
See also: year

ˈdonkey’s years

(British English, informal) a very long time: She’s lived in that house for donkey’s years.This is a play on words between ‘years’ and ‘ears’, the joke being that donkeys have long ears.
See also: year

donkey’s years

n. a long time. (From British colloquial.) I haven’t seen you in donkey’s years.
See also: year
References in periodicals archive ?
Nat, who has had a boob job, said: "I would be happy for us to stay for donkey's years.
NAT'S THAT! EXCLUSIVE Enders Sonia to quit after 12yrs
THE last time I went to The Granary was donkey's years ago when it was a (pretty dull) carvery.
The MAG: EATING OUT - Spirits unlifted by award winner; THE GRANARY, Shenstone, Nr Kidderminster
Vegetarians are still only 4% of the population and have been for donkey's years.
Cheating with meat
It seems that for most of his writing career, Aidan Higgins has been preparing for Donkey's Years.
Donkey's Years: Memories of a Life as Story Told
WE all know donkey's years means a long time but Tootsie the mule proves the point - he's a record-breaking 54.
Tootsie's been alive for donkey's years.. SANCTUARY's star mule a 54-yr-old record Rbreaker
For donkey's years, the age at which you can claim your state pension benefits has been 65 for men and 60 for women.
Moving to equal pensionable age
J's, Ian told me a 93-year-old man has been coming in once a week for a TJ's breakfast for donkey's years.
Heard about TJ's scones? MY CITY
While kale and cabbages have obviously been around for donkey's years, the term 'superfood' hasn't, but when something is granted the impressive label, sales often soar.
Egg-cellent food for thought; UNPEELED Superfoods
Steven is still a top player and has been for donkey's years, but everyone has to be replaceable.
Henderson proving his critics wrong
e was there for donkey's years, according to Campbell, even gave Campbell a wet shave once.
MORNINGSERIAL
It's very exciting and the best evidence we've had in donkey's years.
SONAR YET SO FAR NO NESSIE; 5ft-wide beast spotted by skipper
He was captain for donkey's years and he is a natural leader.
Winless Dubs ready to bring wait to an end; Former Waterford All-Star Dan Shanahan previews the league action
chris_kammy: Good luck to TC Terry Connor landing the Wolves job, never mind circumstances, he has served the club loyally for donkey's years.
ON TWITTER
The present councillors haven't been in very long but Labour was in power for donkey's years.
I won't back Labour again; VIEWPOINTS
It must be donkey's years since we coasted in for the last hour.
It is just win after win at moment!
Idioms browser ?
Full browser ?