offing

Pluraloffings

1. 1
   nounfiguratively

   The near future, especially something that seems likely to happen soon.

   Like seeing dark clouds coming: you know rain will be here soon.

   A big change seems to be in the offing at work.

   With those dark clouds gathering, a storm was clearly in the offing.

   Note
2. 2
   noun

   The part of the sea that is far from shore but still in sight from land.

   Like the far part of a big lake you can still see from the beach, away from the shallow edge.

   From the cliff, we watched several ships anchored in the offing.

   The captain ordered the crew to keep watch on the offing for approaching vessels.

   Note
3. 3
   nouncountable

   How far out at sea a ship stays from the shore, often to avoid danger.

   Like staying a safe space away from the edge of a busy road.

   The captain kept a good offing to stay clear of the rocks.

   In thick fog, ships hold a wide offing from the dangerous coast.

   Note
4. 4
   verb

   Present participle of off. Use this form for the action happening right now or as a name for the action.

   In the show, the assassin is offing targets across the city.

   Offing the witnesses only made the detective more suspicious.

   Note

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