+- Garden And Gossip Forums (https://gardenandgossip.org)
+-- Forum: General (https://gardenandgossip.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=6)
+--- Forum: General discussion (https://gardenandgossip.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=7)
+--- Thread: Words we take for granted (/showthread.php?tid=1169)
Pages:
1
2
Words we take for granted - Moth - 29-06-2021
Sometimes we use words and phrases without knowing their true origin. For example, today I heard someone say something was "in the offing". It's a funny expression when you really look at it, isn't it? I was impelled to find out more, and was surprised at the etymology and real meaning.
So, without reference to a dictionary or goggle-ducking, who can explain what, who, or where an offing is?
RE: Words we take for granted - Veggie - 29-06-2021
Is it nautical?
RE: Words we take for granted - JJB - 29-06-2021
I have no idea. Perhaps religious?
RE: Words we take for granted - Can the Man - 29-06-2021
I know it’s not Irish but I think it means it’s going to happen
RE: Words we take for granted - Jimny14 - 29-06-2021
I'm with veggie, it's nautical, something to do with offshore I think.
RE: Words we take for granted - Moth - 30-06-2021
Yes it is nautical, as most of our unusual but everyday phrases seem to be.
It's the area of sea beyond the roads but this side of the horizon.
RE: Words we take for granted - Bren - 30-06-2021
I thought it meant something was going to happen.
RE: Words we take for granted - Jimny14 - 30-06-2021
(30-06-2021, 08:05 AM)Bren Wrote: I thought it meant something was going to happen.
It does. The offing is water that can be seen from land but is away from shore. So if a ship is in the offing coming towards you it will arrive at land but not for a while.
RE: Words we take for granted - Jimny14 - 30-06-2021
Here are a few more phrases of probably nautical origin.
3 sheets to the wind.
No room to swing a cat
Swinging the lead
Hand over fist
Brass monkeys
At a loose end
Give a wide berth
RE: Words we take for granted - Veggie - 30-06-2021
Similarly, "Standing off" or "Stood off" refers to boats waiting off shore before they can come into a berth.