offing

[ aw-fing, of-ing ]
/ ˈɔ fɪŋ, ˈɒf ɪŋ /

noun

the more distant part of the sea seen from the shore, beyond the anchoring ground.
a position at a distance from shore.

Idioms for offing

    in the offing,
    1. at a distance but within sight.
    2. in the projected future; likely to happen: A wedding is in the offing.

Origin of offing

First recorded in 1620–30; off + -ing1

British Dictionary definitions for in the offing

offing
/ (ˈɒfɪŋ) /

noun

the part of the sea that can be seen from the shore
in the offing likely to occur soon

Idioms and Phrases with in the offing (1 of 2)

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.

Idioms and Phrases with in the offing (2 of 2)

offing

see in the offing.