Moth
Joined:
May 2020
Posts:
458
Threads:
11
|
|
|
Moth
Chissit No-digger
|
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?
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished – Lao Tzu
|
Veggie
Joined:
May 2020
Posts:
13,302
Threads:
563
|
|
Is it nautical?
The Moneyless Chicken says:-
Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.
|
JJB
Joined:
May 2020
Posts:
6,702
Threads:
147
|
|
I have no idea. Perhaps religious?
Gardening is an excuse not to do housework
Greetings from Salisbury
Qualified member of the Confused Nutter's Club
|
Can the Man
Joined:
May 2020
Posts:
2,258
Threads:
59
|
|
I know it’s not Irish but I think it means it’s going to happen
Coffee keeps me busy until it’s acceptable to drink whiskey.
|
Jimny14
Joined:
May 2020
Posts:
418
Threads:
44
|
|
I'm with veggie, it's nautical, something to do with offshore I think.
|
Moth
Joined:
May 2020
Posts:
458
Threads:
11
|
|
|
Moth
Chissit No-digger
|
30-06-2021, 06:29 AM
(This post was last modified: 30-06-2021, 06:31 AM by Moth.)
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.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished – Lao Tzu
|
Bren
Joined:
May 2020
Posts:
3,576
Threads:
2
|
|
I thought it meant something was going to happen.
|
Jimny14
Joined:
May 2020
Posts:
418
Threads:
44
|
|
(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.
|
Jimny14
Joined:
May 2020
Posts:
418
Threads:
44
|
|
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
|
Veggie
Joined:
May 2020
Posts:
13,302
Threads:
563
|
|
Similarly, "Standing off" or "Stood off" refers to boats waiting off shore before they can come into a berth.
The Moneyless Chicken says:-
Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.
|