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Until the Cows Come home (Origin)
What Is the Origin of the Saying "Until the Cows Come home"?
The term "until the cows come home" (sometimes written "til the cows come home") means for a long, indefinite amount of time.
Examples of Use:
- I'm going to be working on this project until the cows come home.
- You can keep guessing until the cows come home. I'm not going to tell you.
- The taxis are all booked. I'm afraid we'll be here until the cows come home.
- I am tied by the foote till the Cow come home.
- "Kiss till the cow come home." (From "The Scornful Lady")
- Good morrow! Drink till the cow come home, 'tis all paid boys. (From "The Captain")
- Miss Notable. I suppose, my lord, you lay longest abed today?
Lord Smart. Miss, if I had said so, I should have told a fib; I warrant you lay abed till the cows came home: but, miss, shall I cut you a little crust, now my hand is in?
Miss Notable. If you please, my lord, a bit of undercrust.
Competing Theory
If a cow escapes, it will not return home, like a horse or a dog. Therefore, "until the cows come home" is an indefinitely long time. It effectively means never.Previous and Next Sayings
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