Talk the hind legs off a donkey: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Talk the hind legs off a donkey” mean?

"Talk the hind legs off a donkey" means to talk excessively or non-stop.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He can talk the hind legs off a donkey about his favorite hobby.

Example

She can talk the hind legs off a donkey when she's excited about something.

Example

I had to leave the room because he was talking the hind legs off a donkey and I couldn't get a word in

Is “Talk the hind legs off a donkey” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Talk the hind legs off a donkey” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Talk the hind legs off a donkey” effectively in context?

You can use "Talk the hind legs off a donkey" to describe someone who talks excessively or non-stop. It emphasizes the idea of someone being so talkative that they could even convince a donkey to lose its hind legs. For example, if someone is known for talking a lot, you might say, 'He can talk the hind legs off a donkey about his favorite hobby.'

• 1. Social Gatherings

  She can talk the hind legs off a donkey when she's excited about something.

• 2. Frustration

  I had to leave the room because he was talking the hind legs off a donkey and I couldn't get a word in.

• 3. Chatty Friends

  Whenever we meet up, she talks the hind legs off a donkey and I just listen.

Similar phrases to “Talk the hind legs off a donkey”:

Talk someone's ear off

To talk to someone for a long time, often without giving them a chance to respond

Example

She talked my ear off about her vacation for hours.

Chew the fat

To have a long, leisurely conversation

Example

We sat at the coffee shop and chewed the fat for hours.

Ramble on

To talk in a long-winded or aimless manner

Example

He rambled on about his childhood memories for hours.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Talk the hind legs off a donkey” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Talk the hind legs off a donkey" is unknown.

Is “Talk the hind legs off a donkey” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Talk the hind legs off a donkey" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. It's often used humorously to describe someone who talks excessively or non-stop.

What tone does “Talk the hind legs off a donkey” have?

"Talk the hind legs off a donkey" conveys a tone of exaggeration and humor. It's used to playfully criticize someone's talkativeness.

Can “Talk the hind legs off a donkey” be used in informal and formal settings?

This idiom is more commonly used in informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or family. It may not be as appropriate in formal or professional situations.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She can talk the hind legs off a donkey when she's excited about something.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He can "talk the hind legs off a donkey"!' to imply someone's excessive talking.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• talk a mile a minute
• talk someone's head off
• talk incessantly
• talk non-stop
• talk someone's socks off

Antonyms

• keep quiet
• stay silent
• hold one's tongue
• be tight-lipped
• have nothing to say