Words we take for granted

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?

Is it nautical?

I have no idea. Perhaps religious?

I know it’s not Irish but I think it means it’s going to happen

I'm with veggie, it's nautical, something to do with offshore I think.

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.

I thought it meant something was going to happen.

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.

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

Similarly, "Standing off" or "Stood off" refers to boats waiting off shore before they can come into a berth.