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What is the origin of the expression 'donkey's years'?

May 1, 2004

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This is an example of an expression that has altered its spelling over time. "Not for donkey's ears" means not for a very long time and refers to the length of a donkey's ears. However, they gradually stretched from the "donkey" and turned "ears" into "years". The meaning of the expression is the same, if it does make rather less sense than the original.

Kay Rawnsley, Wyoming, NSW

Because donkeys tend to plod along slowly, they take a long time to complete a task or journey. Therefore, a donkey year takes a long time to elapse.

Michael Sobb, Rydalmere

If there are no straight lines in nature, where did we get the first straight line from?

There are and always have been straight lines in nature. Light and gravity.

Arthur Gerozisis, Riverview

What is the origin of the term "right-hand man" and is there a left-hand man?

In days of old, a nobleman could readily protect himself against an attacker approaching from the left. If the attacker approached from the right, he would be vulnerable. He would need to stand and turn to the right if he held his weapon in the right hand, whether it be a sword, dagger, pistol or fist. He would appoint his most trusted deputy as his "right-hand man" to protect his vulnerable side. A gentleman offers his left arm to his lady so his right is available for defence.

Bob Brooks, Little Bay

Why are uncooked sausages straight, yet become bent when cooked?

They're trying to make ends meat.

Arthur Gray, Wentworth Falls

Because the skin shrinks as the sausage cooks.

Jacqui Edwards, Campbelltown

Why do insects get stuck in spider webs yet the spiders do not?

Not all of a spider's web is sticky. The central part where the spider sits is dry, as are the spokes. Only the radial lines are sticky. Apart from knowing where not to tread, the spider maintains minimal contact with the web, tiptoeing around, unlike its insect prey, which crash full-bodied into the web.

Georgina Hickey, Canberra

Any answers?

- Why can't colourblind people be accepted into the police force?

- In reference to the recent news item on the "biggest wave ever surfed", how is the height of an individual wave measured accurately?

- Why didn't Africans (even if it was only the smaller ones) ride zebras?

- When and why did stars become used as a rating system in reviews of everything from movies to restaurants?

READERS' RESPONSES: Email your answers, or any questions you want answered, to or write to Big Questions, Spectrum, SMH, GPO Box 506, Sydney 2001. Limit questions to one short sentence and answers to a maximum of 130 words, and state your name and suburb/town.



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