in the offing
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.
They could see that the ship was waiting in the offing.
offing
UK /ˈɒfɪŋ/ US /ˈɔfɪŋ/
noun 3
Collocations
3VERB + OFFING
ship, storm
OFFING + NOUN
sea
PREP.
in, on
Definitions
noun
1
The area of the sea in which a ship can be seen in the distance from land, excluding the parts nearest the shore, and beyond the anchoring ground.
to see (a ship) in the offing
I came to an Anchor in seven fathomes water in the offing to Sea.
2
The distance that a ship at sea keeps away from land, often because of navigational dangers, fog and other hazards; a position at a distance from shore.
[…] till I ſaw the Land tun out a great Length into the Sea, at about the Diſtance of four or five Leagues before me, and the Sea being very calm I kept a large, offing to make this Point; […]
However, what with the help of this Ebb, and our Boats, we by Noon had got an Offing of 1 1/2 or 2 Miles, yet we could hardly flatter ourselves with hopes of getting Clear […]
3
The foreseeable future. Chiefly in the phrase in the offing.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
601
to see (a ship) in the offing
Wiktionary02
I came to an Anchor in seven fathomes water in the offing to Sea.
Wiktionary03
September 30, 1659. I, poor miserable Robinson Crusoe, being shipwreck'd during a dreadful Storm, in the offing, came on Shore on this dismal, unfortunate Island, which I call'd the Island of Despair,
Wiktionary04
As Tom and Mary's one-year dating anniversary passed, Tom's mother began to be cautiously optimistic that a wedding might soon be in the offing.
Tatoeba · #303700905
The government said that a new approach was in the offing.
Tatoeba · #522499206
An election is in the offing.
Tatoeba · #10676495Usage Notes
i Register
In some senses, offing is marked as figuratively. Watch for register when choosing this word.
Your note
not saved0 chars