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.

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Example Sentences

Deals are still in the offing for the time being, though, since many builders are trying to get unsold homes off their books.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 16, 2026

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

Sovereign-bond yields, including Canada’s, have climbed as traders anticipate that higher inflation is in the offing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

It was a sticky moment: Harry knew that she had sensed Ron’s name in the offing.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

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