for donkey's years

Are you using the idiom for donkey's years but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the for donkey's years idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "for donkey's years"

Meaning

The phrase 'for donkey's years' is an idiomatic expression used to mean an incredibly long time. It is often used to emphasize the length of time something has been happening.

Etymology

The origin of this phrase is unknown, however, it could have come from the fact that donkeys have been used as a form of transportation for centuries and thus have been a part of many cultures for a long time.

Usage

This phrase is usually used to emphasize the length of time something has been going on. It can be used to describe a situation or an accomplishment. It can also be used in a humorous way to refer to someone’s age.

Example Sentences

• I've been waiting for my bus for donkey's years!
• He's been working at the same job for donkey's years.
• Grandma's been living in the same house for donkey's years!

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.