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Synonyms

in the offing

Idioms  

  1. 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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He promised that a “much better deal” was in the offing.

From Slate • May 1, 2026

And if rumors are to be believed, more firings could be in the offing.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

Given the mean target price was £13.52 before today’s release, below the current price, upgrades are most likely in the offing.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

Turns out there never had been a part in the offing.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

He scented a new story in the offing.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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