wars down the years

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1
  1. "They have had many wars down the years. "
    Is it OK?
    Or should I say:
  2. "They have had many wars for years. "
    Which is the most idiomatic?
2

Use ‘down the years’ if you mean they have been at war, then at peace, then at war, then at peace, etc.