Nigh on

I had been working in this industry for nigh on twelve years when it happened.

I walked for nigh on to three hours.

“[…]They say he has sold himself to the devil for a pretty face. It’s nigh on eighteen years since I met him. He hasn’t changed much since then. I have, though,” she added, with a sickly leer.

I’ve shoveled up the gypsum till it nigh on makes you choke.