This is a feature from BBC learning English.

For more information and our terms of use go to BBCworldservice.com

forward slash podcasts.

The English we speak.

We speak.

Ah, it's been a great Sunday in the countryside, Lee.

I'm a city boy. I'm not used to this much walking in fresh air. It was good though.

But now it's getting late.

Yes, it is, Neil. But now we are going to catch a bus to town and you will be back in your normal environment.

Hmm. Well, where is this bus? You said you knew this area. We've been here on this dirt road for a while and

no buses have passed by. No vehicles at all actually.

Don't worry Neil the bus will come.

Lee, look, there's a note here on the wall of this old bus shelter.

Oh, I didn't notice it.

What does they say?

Ugh. It says buses are subject to delays we'll be waiting for a bus until the

cows come home those cows Those cows? I think they are already home, Neil. The cows live in that field. It's us who need to go home. You might be feeling a bit light-headed as you are not used to so much fresh air.

Lee, we're not actually waiting for the cows to go anywhere. In English, to wait until the cows come home

means to wait for a very long time. Ah, so nothing to do with the cows?

Not at all.

Let's hear some examples of how to use

until the cows come home.

...