in the offing

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Example Sentences

But honestly, no, I do not see physical risk from Trump in the offing.

From Salon

The letter has been in the offing since Ben Sulayem used an interview with Autosport before the Singapore Grand Prix in September to express his distaste for the broadcast of swearing during grands prix.

From BBC

And unhappiness on the left about the two-child benefit cap, and the winter fuel allowance, remains - with a judicial review of the decision on those pensioner payments in the offing.

From BBC

I fear Trump will grow more desperate, knowing if he loses, jail could be in the offing.

From Salon

A repeat of the seditious activities of Jan. 6, at least, does not appear in the offing, no matter how much Trump would like it to be so.

From Salon

Related Words

• forthcoming
• immediate
• impending
• inevitable
• likely
• looming
• possible
• probable
• unavoidable