What does “Until the Cows Come Home” mean?
"Until the Cows Come Home" means for a very long time.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I could talk about my favorite TV show until the cows come home.
Example
She promised to wait for him until the cows come home.
Example
They argued until the cows come home but couldn't reach a resolution
Is “Until the Cows Come Home” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Until the Cows Come Home” 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 “Until the Cows Come Home” effectively in context?
You can use "Until the Cows Come Home" to express the idea of doing something for a very long time, often implying that it may never end. It is commonly used in casual conversations and can be applied to various situations. For example, if someone asks you how long you can talk about your favorite TV show, you might respond, 'I could talk about it until the cows come home.'
- 1Casual Conversation
I could talk about my favorite TV show until the cows come home.
- 2Waiting
She promised to wait for him until the cows come home.
- 3Unresolved Argument
They argued until the cows come home but couldn't reach a resolution.
Similar phrases to “Until the Cows Come Home”:
An infinite or unending period of time
Example
I could stare at the stars for eternity.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Until the Cows Come Home” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Until the Cows Come Home" is unknown.
Is “Until the Cows Come Home” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Until the Cows Come Home" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to emphasize the idea of a prolonged or indefinite period of time.
What tone does “Until the Cows Come Home” have?
"Until the Cows Come Home" conveys a casual and light-hearted tone. It is typically used in a playful manner to express the concept of an extended duration.
Can “Until the Cows Come Home” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Until the Cows Come Home" is informal and suitable for casual conversations among friends, family, and colleagues. However, it may not be appropriate for formal or professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I will wait for you "until the cows come home".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'We can keep talking "until the cows come home"!' to imply an endless conversation.
