Meaning of in the offing | Babel Free

Definitions

1. 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.
   literally, usually
2. Soon to come; likely to happen; in the foreseeable future; projected to occur; on the horizon; in the wind.
   figuratively
3. At a distance, but visible.
   idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“They could see that the ship was waiting in the offing.”

“There were several small islands in the offing.”

“Presently a rioting noise was heard without. Starting up, the landlord cried, "That's the Grampus's crew. I seed her reported in the offing this morning; a three years' voyage, and a full ship. Hurrah, boys; now we'll have the latest news from the Feegees."”

“If the ship that bore the sacred flame arrived too soon, it might not put in to shore, but had to cruise in the offing till the nine days were expired.”

“We have known wives to forget that they had husbands,[…] especially when they supposed that a tax bill or a notification to do military duty might be in the offing!”

“The Ship of the Spring in the offing at last! / Oh, rude blew the hindering gales, / But perfumes entrancing, the danger o'erpast, / Are wafted afar, from her sails!”

“He [countertenor Anthony Roth Constanzo] also enjoys being the catalyst whereby opera fertilises other art forms: recently, he's collaborated with Japanese kabuki actors, and a project with dancers from New York City Ballet is in the offing.”

“He has a happy home life, two sitcoms on the go and a new book in the offing. So why is the comedian, actor and Observer columnist still so crotchety?”

“The serious end of tech has never made the dash from northern to southern California that is forever in the offing.”

“The moment I saw the man standing there, registering respectful attention, a weight seemed to roll off my mind. I felt like a lost child who spots his father in the offing. There was something about him that gave me confidence.”

CEFR level