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donkey's ears

idiom
Meaning

A long time, years and years.


Origin

first recorded 20th c.

1916 UK, from British rhyming slang, rhyming with years, due to donkey’s ears being long.

Examples
SIMPLE

I have not seen my old friend for donkey's ears.

CONTEXTUAL

We have lived in this small village for donkey's ears, so we know everyone here.

COMPLEX

Having worked at the same company for donkey's ears, she felt it was finally time to seek a new challenge elsewhere.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all ears

    Listening intently; fully focused.

  2. 02

    all eyes and ears

    Very attentive.

  3. 03

    are your ears burning

    Asked of somebody who was not present but was the topic of discussion.

  4. 04

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  5. 05

    believe one's ears

    To believe that something which one hears is truly the case.

  6. 06

    box someone's ears

    To slap someone on the side of the head, usually as an informal punishment.

  7. 07

    burn someone's ears

    To cause blushing of someone's ears due to strong embarrassment.

  8. 08

    donkey's years

    A long time, years and years.

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