for donkey's years

Meaning: For a very long time.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “I've known her for donkey's years.”

Category: Animals

Origin: British English from the early 20th century, perhaps a play on "donkey's ears," which are long, and on the belief that donkeys live long.

Equivalents in other languages

make sheep's eyes at — To look at someone in a lovesick, foolish way (dated).
you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar — Kindness persuades people better than harshness.
a rare bird — An unusual person or thing.
follow the herd — To do what everyone else does without thinking.
a leopard can't change its spots — People cannot change their basic nature.
set the cat among the pigeons — To say or do something that causes trouble or uproar.

since time immemorial — For longer than anyone can remember.
cry one's eyes out — To cry very hard and for a long time.
much ado about nothing — A lot of fuss about something unimportant.
all grist to the mill — Everything can be turned to use or advantage.
you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs — Achieving something worthwhile involves some loss or damage.
in a pickle — In a difficult situation.

Spare to speak and spare to spend. — Restraint in both words and money preserves resources and prevents regrettable waste.
There is a time to speak as well as to be silent. — Knowing when to withhold words proves as valuable as knowing when to voice them.
Many speak much that cannot speak well. — Verbose people often lack the clarity and wisdom that characterizes truly eloquent speech.