for donkey’s years
adverbial phrase · Idiom / expression C2
Plain meaning
for a very long time
Exam-register meaning
informal phrase meaning over an extended period; not suitable for formal academic prose
In context
naturalI haven’t seen him for donkey’s years.
examIn formal writing, replace “for donkey’s years” with “for many years” or “for a prolonged period”.
Common collocations
not seen someone for donkey’s yearsknown someone for donkey’s yearsbeen there for donkey’s years
Watch out
Do not use this in IELTS/PTE academic writing; it is informal and conversational.