donkey
(dɒŋki )
Word forms: donkeys
1. countable noun B1
A donkey is an animal which is like a horse but which is smaller and has longer ears.
Synonyms: ass, mule, jackass, neddy
2. donkey's years phrase
For donkey's years means for a very long time. [British, informal, emphasis]
I've been a vegetarian for donkey's years.
...old iron mines that haven't been used in donkey's years.
Synonyms: a long time, years, ages, for ever [informal]
Image of donkey
© Coprid, Shutterstock
Idioms:
talk the hind leg off a donkey [British]
to talk a lot
He could talk the hind leg off a donkey. It took real perseverance to get through to him on the telephone.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
do the donkey work [British]
to do all the most physically tiring or boring parts of a job or a piece of work
The boss sent for Andy and got him to do the donkey work.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Collocations:
donkey sanctuary
We should boycott the place even if they pay the right amount of tax then hand their profits to a donkey sanctuary.
The Sun
Now, you must get 900 requests a day: can you open this donkey sanctuary, can you can come and support this and that?
Times, Sunday Times
She decided to pay him half and donated the same to a donkey sanctuary, saying she had never laughed so much.
The Sun
In each episode, he takes a group on trips to random places such as donkey sanctuaries.
Times, Sunday Times
Springtime also sees new-borns at the several donkey sanctuaries where you are welcome to feed them.
Times, Sunday Times
Translations:
Chinese: 毛驴
Japanese: ロバ