donkey's years

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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

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
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

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
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

donkey’s years

n. a long time. (From British colloquial.) I haven’t seen you in donkey’s years.
See also: year
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

donkey's years

A long time. The origin here is disputed. Some say it is a rhyming term for donkey’s ears, which are quite long, and possibly also a punning allusion to the Cockney pronunciation of “years” as “ears”; others believe it alludes to donkeys being quite long-lived. The expression dates only from the late nineteenth century. Edward Lucas used it in The Vermilion Box (1916): “Now for my first bath for what the men call ‘donkey’s years,’ meaning years and years.”
See also: year
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • donkey’s years
  • for donkey's years
  • (Have you) been OK?
  • on one's
  • on someone's
  • out of one's
  • (I've) got to go
  • save someone's skin
  • run someone out of town
  • other than (something)
References in periodicals archive
Will the doting mum-of-six agree to go on her first date in donkey's years? And if she does, who is in for the bigger surprise - Agnes or the stranger?
TV CHOICE
"I'm worried for my business - some of us in Hoylake have been here for donkey's years. It's a quiet little place and I'm surprised they want to open here.
Village fears over Subway; Petition starts against chain sandwich shop
Steven is still a top player and has been for donkey's years, but everyone has to be replaceable.
Henderson proving his critics wrong
QWHY do people say donkey's years to indicate a long time?
Tinseltown tenor's brief career; yourletters Question Time
"It's very exciting and the best evidence we've had in donkey's years. It's images like this that will keep me going with my hunt for the next 20 years."
SONAR YET SO FAR NO NESSIE; 5ft-wide beast spotted by skipper
@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
Lynda Chadwick, day centre organiser, said of Phyllis: "She's really interesting to talk to, because she can go back donkey's years!"
A century of sparkle
Poor old Steve, needing just one of the last four frames to win his first title in donkey's years, could only sit and suffer as Ronnie, following what had seemed like a ludicrously premature concession to put himself in such peril, produced some phenomenal snooker to foil the fairytale finish.
The Thursday Column: Ronnie and Steve show class after Welsh epic
Even though the 53-year-old has been tagged Elton's lyricist for donkey's years, fans may be surprised to discover that Taupin has also had success with big name bands such as Heart and singers like Jefferson Starship as well as Willie Nelson.
: What to watch
I HAVE known John Slim for donkey's years so in case you think I'm giving a free plug to an old chum - you're right.
BOOKS: RHYMING TOUR OF COMICAL BRITAIN
"The collection box has been here for donkey's years so we would love to have him back, particularly because he is so popular with the children," Mairi said.
Staff seek bear facts about theft
I HAVEN'T been in a night club for donkey's years and I certainly wouldn't pay to go into one.
Alternative to clubbing
Mandy "Define "decent" most derby defeats, in a row and most home defeats in a row for donkey's years, no cup run?
THAT WAS THE TWEET THAT WAS ... "Remy's great goal a good turn for Sunderland in their fight for survival." "Out of both cups & lost twice against the Mackems. If that is Pardew's idea of a decent season then he really doesn't get us!" Peter Chappell Bob Whittaker "Very frustrating game but
The House of Lords has needed reforming for donkey's years, whereas the last thing we can do with is a reduction of our MPs.
Coalition conflict; & COMMENT DEBATE YOUR LETTERS TO THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF WALES
And he said of crisps, made famous in the old TV ad for the "canny bag" - "I've not heard of that make of crisps for donkey's years, so that tells you how long ago it was.
TUDOR DYNASTY; STRIKER KEVIN BACKS KITS FOR KIDS