till the cows come home
Meaning
For a very long time; endlessly—often implying it won’t change the outcome.
Origin
From rural life: cows typically return to the barn on their own at the end of the day, so “until the cows come home” suggests waiting a long, predictable time—later generalized to mean “indefinitely.”
Notes
A casual hyperbole meaning “for ages.” Often implies futility (“it won’t make a difference”), but can also mean simply “a long time.”
Examples
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He can argue till the cows come home.
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You can deny it till the cows come home, but the facts won’t change.
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We waited till the cows come home, but he never showed up.
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She practiced till the cows come home and still didn’t make the team.
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We can polish this report till the cows come home, but we have to submit it tonight.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: “till/until the cows come home.” Commonly follows a verb (“argue/talk/work till…”). “Till” is more informal than “until.”
Synonyms
- for ages
- forever
- endlessly
- indefinitely
- until kingdom come
Antonyms
- briefly
- for a short time
- momentarily