In the Offing

November 28th, 2013, 6am

“In the offing” refers to things in the foreseeable future, not happening now, not even in five minutes, but sure to happen before too long. It’s an expression, deliciously inexact, yet often uttered with great conviction. The original nautical term, from which the phrase derives, meant ‘the more distant part of the sea seen from the shore’. Random House (dictionary.com) Perhaps more clearly put: ‘that stretch of the deep sea between the horizon and where ships anchor’. Certainly not a phrase one seems likely to require in the 21st century!

Except, I suppose, with reference to the end of the world for climate change believers. Or death for octogenarians. It’s all in the offing.


Adrian, Nicolas, Cassie and Sean said thanks.

Share this moment

David Wade Chambers

Born in Oklahoma: 30 years in US. 6 years in Canada, 40 years in Australia. Academic field: history and philosophy of science. Currently, teach indigenous studies online at Institute of American Indian Arts (Santa Fe, NM) and Brandon University (Manitoba). Come visit our B&B on Australia's Great Ocean Road. Mate's Rates for Hi community! (http://www.cimarron.com.au)

Create a free account

Have an account? Sign in.

Sign up with Facebook

or