In the offing

prep_phrase

Definitions

Prep_phrase
  1. 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

    "They could see that the ship was waiting in the offing."

  2. 2
    Soon to come; likely to happen; in the foreseeable future; projected to occur; on the horizon; in the wind. figuratively

    "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!"

  3. 3
    At a distance, but visible. idiomatic

    "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."

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