in the offing

Definitions

1. 1

   Within the area of the sea known as 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.
   • There were several small islands in the offing.
2. 2

   Soon to come

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

   • We have known wives to forget that they had husbands,[…] especially when they supposed that a tax bill or a notification to do military duty might be in the offing!
   • The Ship of the Spring in the offing at last! / Oh, rude blew the hindering gales, / But perfumes entrancing, the danger o'erpast, / Are wafted afar, from her sails!
3. 3

   At a distance, but visible.

   • The moment I saw the man standing there, registering respectful attention, a weight seemed to roll off my mind. I felt like a lost child who spots his father in the offing. There was something about him that gave me confidence.

The neighborhood