Donkey’s years

usgb
phrase

A very long time.

I've been waiting to go on a vacation for donkey's years!
Visual representation of "donkey’s years" - A very long time

Often appears as...

  • haven't seen you in donkey's years
  • it's been donkey's years

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "donkey’s years"
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Very Informal

Used mainly in casual conversations among friends or family, not in formal situations.

Illustration for Very Informal
I haven't seen you in donkey's years! How have you been?
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British Origin

Primarily a British expression, understood in the UK but may confuse people from other countries.

Illustration for British Origin
He's been with the company for donkey's years, since the very beginning.
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Exaggeration

It's an exaggeration, it doesn't mean a specific number of years, it just feels like a really long time.

Illustration for Exaggeration
I've been doing this job for donkey's years, but it never gets easier.
Visual representation of the word "Donkey’s years"

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