in the offing: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘in the offing’ mean?
The idiom "in the offing" means something is likely to happen or is about to occur, especially in the near future.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on the way" means that something is currently in progress or about to happen. It suggests that something is not yet completed or arrived, but is in the process of getting there.
In the nick of time is an English idiom that describes an action or event that happens just in time to prevent something negative from occurring. It emphasizes the narrow margin or last-minute nature of the occurrence.
The idiom "in the making" means that something is currently being developed or created, and has the potential to become significant or influential in the future.
The idiom "in the hopper" is a colloquial expression that means something is in progress or being worked on, typically in reference to a task or project.
The idiom "in the cards" means something is likely to happen or is destined to happen.
The idiom "in the cards" has several known facts associated with it. The phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of fortune-telling using playing cards. In this context, "cards" refer to the deck of playing cards commonly used in various types of card games and divination practices.
The idiom "go off" means to explode, to suddenly start making a loud noise, or to become spoiled or rotten. It can also mean to happen or take place, especially in a surprising or unexpected way.
The idiom "go off" has multiple meanings and can be used in various contexts. It is primarily used as a phrasal verb and can be both intransitive and transitive.
The idiom "get off the ground" means to start or begin something, especially a project or plan. It implies the initial steps or actions needed to make progress and move forward.
The idiom "for the time being" means temporarily or for now, referring to a situation that is not permanent.
The idiom "fork off" means to divert or deviate from a path, plan, or topic of discussion. It implies the act of taking a different direction or pursuing an alternative course of action.
The idiom "fly off" means to leave or depart quickly, often with great speed or urgency.
In Sight
The idiom "in the offing" is a commonly used expression in the English language. Native speakers understand its specific meaning, which is expected or likely to happen in the near future.
One fact about this idiom is that it originated from sailors' nautical terminology. "Offing" refers to the part of the sea visible from the shore but still a distance away. Over time, "in the offing" began to be used figuratively to describe something about to happen.
Another fact is that this idiom has been in use for several centuries. The earliest recorded use is in a letter by John Donne, an English poet, in the early 17th century.
Furthermore, "in the offing" is commonly used in both written and spoken English, understood worldwide. It can be used in various situations to convey something that is expected to happen soon or is on the way.
Additionally, this idiom often describes future plans or events being prepared or anticipated. It suggests something is imminent, but not yet confirmed. It conveys expectation and anticipation.
The idiom "in the offing" is related to the idiom "about to." They both convey the same idea of something about to happen. However, "in the offing" has a broader sense and can refer to various events, not just immediate ones.
The idiom "in the offing" is also related to the idiom "around the corner." Both idioms imply something is coming soon or is on the horizon. However, "around the corner" has a more specific connotation of something happening very soon, whereas "in the offing" has a more general sense of something in the near future.
In addition, the idiom "in the offing" relates to the idiom "on the way." Both idioms indicate something is coming or happening soon. However, "on the way" has a stronger sense of something being in progress and actively happening, while "in the offing" suggests a more potential or anticipated event.
The idiom "in the offing" is also connected to the idiom "down the road." Both idioms imply that something is expected to happen in the future, but "down the road" emphasizes a longer timeframe or a more distant event. "In the offing" conveys a sense of something anticipated in the near future.
Overall, the idiom "in the offing" has a clear and well-established meaning in the English language. It originated from nautical terminology, has been in use for centuries, and is commonly understood worldwide. It is often used to describe expected or anticipated future events, conveying a sense of anticipation and possibility. In the vast ocean of idiomatic expressions, "in the offing" remains a familiar and widely recognized phrase.
Example usage
Examples:
1. The company has announced that there are some major changes in the offing, including potential layoffs and a restructuring of departments.
2. After months of planning, their dream vacation to Hawaii is finally in the offing. They are looking forward to relaxing on the beach and exploring the beautiful islands.
3. With the new technology advancements, it seems like self-driving cars may be in the offing. Many companies are investing heavily in autonomous vehicle research and development.
More "Future" idioms
