offing

[aw-fing, of-ing]

noun

1. the more distant part of the sea seen from the shore, beyond the anchoring ground.

2. a position at a distance from shore.

offing

/ ˈɒfɪŋ /

noun

1. the part of the sea that can be seen from the shore

2. likely to occur soon

Word History and Origins

Origin of offing¹

First recorded in 1620–30; off + -ing ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in the offing,

   1. at a distance but within sight.

   2. in the projected future; likely to happen.

      A wedding is in the offing.

see in the offing.

Example Sentences

“L.A. Women” is in many ways a breezy book, gentle about its crises and suggesting early on that a happy ending is in the offing.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe there was another shock in the offing, but how many shocks have we actually seen in Scottish Cup finals in the last half century and more.

From BBC

One reason may be that rumours had reached overdrive that an announcement was in the offing.

From BBC

Naturally, things go awry and Emily almost succeeds in offing Stephanie to keep her secret, only to be foiled at the last minute and hauled off to the clink.

From Salon

Government folk I speak to point to immigration plans that are in the offing, the spending review, the defence review, their industrial strategy – all coming before the summer.

From BBC

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