Offing Meaning in English

word

US

ˈɔfɪŋ

AWF-ing

UK

ˈɒfɪŋ

OF-ing

Definition

'Offing' means the part of the sea that is visible from the shore but is far from land. In a figurative sense, it also means something that is likely to happen soon.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly used in literary, nautical, or formal contexts. The figurative phrase 'in the offing' means 'likely to happen soon.' Rarely used outside these phrases. Don't confuse with 'off' or 'offshore.' Common in 'something is in the offing' to indicate expectation.

• Spanish: alta mar - inminente (sentido figurado: pronto a suceder)
• Portuguese (BR): alto-mar - iminente (sentido figurado: prestes a acontecer)
• Portuguese (PT): alto-mar - iminente (sentido figurado: prestes a acontecer)
• Chinese (Simplified): 外海 - 即将发生（比喻用法）
• Chinese (Traditional): 外海 - 即將發生（比喻用法）
• Hindi: समुद्र का दूर का भाग - आसन्न (रूपक अर्थ: होने वाला)
• Arabic: عرض البحر - وشيك الحدوث (مجازاً: سيحدث قريباً)
• Bengali: দিগন্তরেখা (সমুদ্র) - আসন্ন (আনুষ্ঠানিক)
• Russian: открытое море (на горизонте) - на подходе (переносное значение)
• Japanese: 沖合 - 間近（比喩）
• Vietnamese: vùng biển xa bờ - sắp xảy ra (nghĩa bóng)
• Korean: 바다 멀리 (해상) - 임박함 (비유적)
• Turkish: açık deniz - eli kulağında (mekanik, mecaz)
• Urdu: دور دریا (ساحل سے دور) - عنقریب (ادبی)
• Indonesian: lepas pantai - akan segera terjadi (kiasan)

Example Sentences

A ship appeared in the offing at sunrise.

basic

There are fishing boats in the offing every morning.

basic

The storm was seen moving into the offing.

basic

A promotion might be in the offing if you keep working hard.

natural

Change is in the offing for this neighborhood.

natural

With new technology in the offing, things could get easier soon.

natural