- in the offing
- Meaning
Something likely to happen soon.OriginThe offing is the part of the sea that is visible from land, i.e. the 'off land'. Ships coming 'into the offing' were about to land.
Meaning and origin of phrases. 2013.
in the offing
Look at other dictionaries:
in the offing — Offing Off ing ([o^]f [i^]ng; 115), n. [From {Off}.] That part of the sea at a good distance from the shore, or where there is deep water and no need of a pilot; also, distance from the shore; as, the ship had ten miles offing; we saw a ship in… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
in the offing — ON THE WAY, coming, (close) at hand, near, imminent, in prospect, on the horizon, in the wings, just around the corner, in the air, in the wind, brewing, upcoming, forthcoming; informal on the cards. → offing * * * in the offing 1. In sight or at … Useful english dictionary
in the offing — adjective a) Within the area of the sea known as the offing; at a considerable distance from land, but visible from shore, often in reference to an approaching ship. They could see that the ship was waiting in the offing. b) Soon to come; likely… … Wiktionary
in the offing — If something is in the offing, it is very likely to happen soon. (Dorking School Dictionary) *** Something that is in the offing is likely to appear or happen soon. Apparently a new law on minimum wages is in the offing … English Idioms & idiomatic expressions
in the offing — possible or likely to happen soon. There are signs that a hot new design may be in the offing. I really thought a big promotion was in the offing … New idioms dictionary
in the offing — If something is in the offing, it is very likely to happen soon … The small dictionary of idiomes
in the offing — ► in the offing likely to happen or appear soon. Main Entry: ↑offing … English terms dictionary
in the offing — I knew that a significant change in my life was in the offing Syn: on the way, coming (soon), (close) at hand, near, imminent, in prospect, on the horizon, in the wings, just around the corner, in the air, in the wind, brewing, upcoming,… … Thesaurus of popular words
in the offing — ready to happen, soon to be A great event was in the offing: the discovery of penicillin … English idioms
in the offing — index immediate (imminent), imminent, inevitable Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 … Law dictionary
