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The idiom “in the offing” in English Grammar refers to something that is likely to happen soon or is imminent. The idiom means that an event or occurrence is approaching and will take place in the near future. For example, if a major project completion is in the offing, it means that the project is almost finished and will be completed soon. Read on to learn more about the meaning, origin, and usage of the In the Offing Idiom, learn its synonyms, and test your understanding with a quick quiz!
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In the Offing: Meaning, Origin and Example
As you have already learned, the idiom “in the offing” means that a particular event is going to happen very soon. For example, if dark clouds are gathering in the sky, you might say that a storm is in the offing, meaning that heavy rain is likely to happen soon.
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In the Offing Idiom Example Sentences
After getting through with the meaning and origin of the idiom “in the offing” here are 5 example sentences of the idiom so that you can understand how to use it.
- Rain seems to be in the offing as the clouds darken the sky.
- Marriage might be in the offing for the couple after years of courtship.
- A family reunion seems to be in the offing with relatives planning to visit soon.
- A major plot twist is likely in the offing as the TV show’s season finale nears.
- A return to the football field is in the offing for the star player after his recuperation.
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Synonyms of In the Offing Idiom
After understanding the meaning and usage examples of the idiom, here are synonyms which communicate the belief that something is going to happen in the foreseeable future.
| Likely to happen | On the way |
| Coming soon | Coming up |
| Close at hand | In prospect |
| On the horizon | Near |
| Imminent | Just around the corner |
Explore more exciting Synonyms below!
| Synonyms of Health | Synonyms of Believe |
| Synonyms of Journey | Synonyms of Environment |
| Synonyms of Travelling | Synonyms of Beauty |
In the Offing Idiom Quiz
After you have gone through all the details related to the ‘in the offing’ idiom, it is time to test your learning with the help of this quiz.
Q1. What does the idiom “in the offing” mean?
a. Nearby
b. Certain
c. Likely to happen soon
d. Unlikely to happen
Q2. Which sentence structure correctly uses “in the offing”?
a. The project was delayed in the offing.
b. A surprise is in the offing for her birthday.
c. He’s in the offing to find a new job.
d. The results will be in the offing.
Q3. Identify the correct preposition in the idiom “____ the offing.”
a. By
b. On
c. In
d. At
Q4. Choose the correct sentence:
a. A breakthrough in the negotiations was in the offing.
b. The meeting is in the offing tomorrow.
c. They’ve been in the offing of the new strategy for weeks.
d. The deal will be in the offing soon.
Q5. Which of these can be considered a synonym for “in the offing”?
a. Imminent
b. Distant
c. Unlikely
d. Postponed
Here are your answers!
- c. Likely to happen soon
- b. A surprise is in the offing for her birthday.
- c. In
- a. A breakthrough in the negotiations was in the offing.
- a. Imminent
Check Common Proverbs, Idioms and Synonyms here!
FAQs
The meaning of “in the offing” idiom is that something is going to happen in the near foreseeable future.
You can use “in the offing” in a sentence this way, ‘Rain seems to be in the offing as the clouds darken the sky.’
The idiom “a way off” means to cause someone or something to go away and stay away because of fear or possible trouble. For example, “But one lesson of the financial crisis is that human judgment can be way off beam.”
The synonym for “on the offing” is close at hand. Moreover, there are other synonyms of the idiom that are coming up, on the way, near and on the horizon.
The meaning of “offing” refers to the more distant or the deep part of the sea in your view.
The idiom “in the offing” may be used in situations where the event or occurrence is near. For example, she was done with her examinations and graduation was in the offing.
Working in the offing means working on something that is about to happen or is imminent. It implies that the task or event is in the near future and is being prepared for.
The idiom “in the offing” originates from nautical terminology. In sailing, the “offing” refers to the open sea, the part of the ocean that is some distance from the shore. When a ship is “in the offing,” it is visible from the shore but not yet in port. This means that it is approaching or about to arrive.
This was all about the In the Offing Idiom. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.
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