What does the idiom "talk the hind legs off a donkey" mean?
The phrase talk the hind legs off a donkey is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of talk the hind legs off a donkey.
Meaning of "talk the hind legs off a donkey"
Meaning
The phrase 'talk the hind legs off a donkey' is an idiom which is used to describe someone who talks an awful lot, regardless of the topic. This phrase speaks to the idea that when someone talks an excessive amount, they could be making an effort to actually talk the hind legs off a donkey. It implies that the person is talking for such an extended period of time that there is no end in sight to their verbosity.
Etymology
The phrase was first used in the 18th century, as a way to describe someone who talks too much. It is believed to have originated in the British Isles, and has been used in many parts of the English-speaking world. It is believed to have derived from the traditional practice of shepherds and farmers in the British Isles who needed their animals to be quiet and have developed various kinds of colloquialisms to keep them in line. This phrase was one of those colloquialisms.
Usage
The phrase is used to describe someone who talks too much, and often without providing any real substance. It is used in a lighthearted way, to express that the person is talking too much and that the conversation is taking too long. It is also used to mean that the person is talking so much, it's almost as though they are trying to talk the hind legs off a donkey.
Example Sentences
- He's been talking the hind legs off a donkey since he got to the party.
- You could talk the hind legs off a donkey if you wanted to.
- She talks the hind legs off a donkey every time you get her on the phone.
Idioms with similar meaning
"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an English idiom that means you shouldn't make assumptions about someone or something based solely on its appearance. In Japanese, the similar idiom is "Hana yori dango," which translates to "Dumplings rather than flowers." This idiom means that substance is more important than appearance.
NO COMMENT
No comment has been written about talk the hind legs off a donkey yet, you can write the first comment and share your thoughts with our other visitors.