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

See Examples For:

in the offing

But sending checks to customers who paid higher prices because of the tariffs doesn’t seem to be in the offing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026

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

He scented a new story in the offing.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke

Related Words

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