in the offing
Related to in the offing: draw out, let bygones be bygones
in the offing
In the future; happening soon. A vacation is in the offing for me, and I couldn't be more ready for it.
See also: offing
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
in the offing
happening at some time in the future. There is a big investigation in the offing, but I don't know when. It's hard to tell what's in the offing if you don't keep track of things.
See also: offing
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
in the offing
In the near or immediate future; soon to come. For example, Jan was delighted that exams were finished and graduation was in the offing. This expression originally meant "in the part of the ocean visible between shore and horizon"; its figurative use dates from the late 1700s. Also see in the wind.
See also: offing
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
in the offing
If something is in the offing, it is likely to happen soon. A general amnesty for political prisoners may be in the offing. With Sybil's wedding in the offing I'm hoping this cough isn't infectious.
See also: offing
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
in the offing
nearby; likely to happen or appear soon.This expression originated as a nautical term for a distance offshore, beyond a harbour or anchoring ground. It has been used figuratively since the late 18th century.
See also: offing
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
in the ˈoffing
(informal) likely or about to happen soon: There’s a pay rise in the offing, I hear.The offing is the furthest part of the sea that you can see from land. Ships that are in the offing will soon arrive at the land.See also: offing
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
in the offing
1. In the near or immediate future; soon to come: with exams finished and graduation in the offing.
2. Nearby; at hand.
See also: offing
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
in the offing
In the future; likely to occur. The term was first used in the seventeenth century to describe the open sea as seen between shore and horizon. In the eighteenth century it began to be used figuratively to describe something nearby or in prospect. Thus Nancy Mitford wrote (Love in a Cold Climate, 1949), “That look of concentration which comes over French faces when a meal is in the offing.”
See also: offing
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- offing
- on one's
- on someone's
- out of one's
- (I've) got to go
- save someone's skin
- (Have you) been OK?
- other than
- other than (something)
- pillow-biter