Till the cows come home

usgb
phrase

For a very long time.

You can keep talking till the cows come home, but I won't change my mind.
Visual representation of "till the cows come home" - For a very long time

Often appears as...

  • talk till the cows come home
  • argue till the cows come home

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "till the cows come home"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Rural Origin

The phrase comes from rural life where cows return home in the evening, suggesting a lengthy duration.

Illustration for Rural Origin
He could practice his guitar till the cows come home and still enjoy it.
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Indefinite Duration

'Till the cows come home' indicates an indefinite, possibly excessive, amount of time.

Illustration for Indefinite Duration
You can wait for a perfect opportunity till the cows come home, or you can seize the day now.
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Hyperbolic Expression

The phrase is often used to exaggerate, suggesting someone is doing something longer than necessary.

Illustration for Hyperbolic Expression
She can complain about the weather till the cows come home, but it won't change anything.
Visual representation of the word "Till the cows come home"

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