Definition of "in the offing" in English

Prepositional phrase

1. 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.
   • There were several small islands in the offing.

2. Soon to come; likely to happen; in the foreseeable future; projected to occur; on the horizon; in the wind.

3. At a distance, but visible.