long memory

plural long memories

1. countableuncountableThe ability to remember events that occurred a long time ago.

   Irishmen have long tongues, but long memories also.

   2006, John Waller, Irish Flames

   2 more examples

   The Celtic race has a long memory, and the prospect of waging war in the insular Britain against the Saxon intruder may not have been without charms for the descendants of the Armorican exiles.

   1867, Edward Augustus Freeman, The History of the Norman Conquest of England, Its Causes and Its Results, Volume 3, page 210

   HABITUÉS of the Hobbyhorse Hitching Post-those with long memories-may recall that the first contributor to the department was free lancer ALAN DEVOE, of Hillsdale, N.Y.

   1938, “Hobbyhorse Hitching Post, The Scrawls of the Great Go to Market”, in The Rotarian, volume 52, number 2, page 53

2. countableuncountableThe act or habit of holding onto a grudge or grievance for a long period of time.