For donkey’s ages.
For donkey’s ages.
Meaning in plain English
The phrase uses donkey’s ages to emphasise a very long time. It gives duration an exaggerated animal-associated form.
Example
A speaker says they have known a place for donkey’s ages without intending a precise number of years.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The supplied gloss supports the long-duration reading, but the words provide no measured period or origin. A useful application can recognise an informal emphasis rather than treat the phrase as an actual animal lifespan or a calendar calculation.
When to use it
Use it to explain informal emphasis on long duration.
Keep in mind
No exact duration, animal lifespan or origin is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 292; PDF page 45
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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