for donkey's years

for donkey's years

For a long time. I haven't been here for donkey's years—I can't believe how much the town has changed.
See also: year
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

for donkey's years

for a very long time. informal
For donkey's years is a pun referring to the length of a donkey's ears and playing on a former pronunciation of years as ears .
1998 Ardal O'Hanlon The Talk of the Town He'll be no loss, that's for sure. Sure his own family haven't spoken to him for donkey's years.
See also: year
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • donkey’s years
  • 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
He will play the big-nosed hero at the Playhouse Theatre in London from November 27 and said: "This is a role I've been desperate to explore for donkey's years. Can't wait."
He will play the big-nosed hero at the Playhouse Theatre, in London, from November 27, and said: "This a role I've been desperate explore for donkey's years. Can't wait."
The Scot said: "This is a role I've been desperate to explore for donkey's years. Can't wait."
"I've known Sean for donkey's years from speedway and also when he worked near my house inWarrington.Hestayedwithme as he wouldn't pay for a hotel!
The 63-year-old has crawled out from under her stone to tell us why ex-husband David Bowie's new record The Next Day is a pile of junk and he hasn't been good for donkey's years and blah blah blah.
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.
Every season for donkey's years, Saints have been involved in a relegation battle at this time and it's down to Strachan that they were safe by Easter.
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.
"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.
It seems that for most of his writing career, Aidan Higgins has been preparing for Donkey's Years. That is to say, after disguising or fictionalizing his childhood memories in short stories and novels, there would come a time when the masks would have to come off and we, his avid readers, would be introduced at last to the Higgins clan - not the Kervicks (with their four daughters), not the Langrishes (with their four daughters), and not the Ruttles (with their two sons), but the real article - Dado, Mumu, Dodo, Bun, the author, and the Dote.
OK, he was born in Derbyshire and was not a Town player in 1966, but has been a local lad for donkey's years, living in Slathwaite.
Never mind Russia, the European countries have been going at it against each other for donkey's years.
We're up against a good Porto side and have been in these kinds of situations in the Champions League for donkey's years.
If you notice an object that you think might be rare and valuable, bring it in to us, or email a picture to me personally, and we will see if you have found the rare gem which has lain undiscovered for donkey's years!
For donkey's years, the age at which you can claim your state pension benefits has been 65 for men and 60 for women.