IdiomBody & Senses
Filipino
FilipinoNamumuti ang mata
Meaning: To wait in vain for a very long time.
Literally: The eyes turn white
Example: “Namumuti na ang mata ko sa paghihintay sa sagot mo.” — I could wait until the cows come home for your reply.
English equivalent: Until the cows come home
Origin: "The eyes are turning white": waiting so long for someone that one's eyes seem to fade. The phrase is used of waiting in vain. No particular story lies behind it.
Equivalents in other languages
English: until the cows come home
French: Ça va durer trois plombes Literally: It's going to last three leads
More Filipino idioms
- Hulog ng langit A godsend; a great blessing.
- Balat-sibuyas Overly sensitive and easily hurt.
- Nagbibilang ng poste Jobless and idle, with nothing to do.
- Itaga mo sa bato You can count on it absolutely.
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