what is the meaning of "talk the hind leg off a donkey"?

Answer 1

Talk the hind leg off a donkey means to talk incessantly. But why a donkey as opposed to, say, an elephant or cat etc? The answer is because donkey's are regarded as strong, sturdy, faithful and extraordinarily reliable animals that tolerate so much, good or bad. Hence the analogy with incessant chatter and the donkey.

Best wishes, J

Answer 2

have you watched isa out of still game that's what you call someone talking the hind legs off a donkey

Answer 3

I put this in an answer the other day I was always told that and to be honest yes think I could talk for England didn't know exactly what it did mean so I'd say yes talking all the time

Answer 4

No, I prefer to use a no. 7 government issue machete. Much easier and less time.. Donkeys prefer it to what some people talk about also.

Answer 5

Is there not perhaps a cross-reference to 'donkeys years' implied in the comparion? 'Donkeys years' refers of course to a very, very long time.In fact, around here, they say, 'She can talk for donkeys', and ' I haven't been there for donkeys'. I presume the word 'years' is being omitted.

Idiomatic language always fascinates me.

Answer 6

Refers to a persuasive talker, one who has the 'gift of the gab,' who can persuade even a donkey/horse to sit on its hunkers - a very unnatural posture.

Answer 7

It means talking, talking, talking until most people have stopped listening. An infliction often suffered by politicians.

Answer 8

Talking excessively.

I don't know where the expression originates.

There's some discussion on the origin it here:
http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=29025
But it's not very convincing.

Answer 9

talk forever - wont shut up

where the saying comes from i have no idea

Answer 10

Non stop talking.......dont come up for breath