in the offing
idiom

- likely to happen soon

- the near or foreseeable future

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary / Merriam-Webster

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PHRASE ORIGIN

The expression “in the offing” is nautical in origin.

The 'offing’ refers to the sea just beyond the shoreline that stretches to the horizon. Look outs on the shore would first catch sight of approaching ships when they were 'in the offing’. They were usually expected to reach dock before the next tide, hence their arrival was typically imminent.

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SAIL ON SAYINGS

- a close shave = narrowly avoiding danger (refers to a ship passing very close to rocks or another vessel).

- hit the doldrums = to enter a period of stagnation or lack of progress (refers to areas of calm seas with little wind).

- all at sea = completely confused or lost (refers to a sailor unsure of their location).

- back to square one = back to the beginning (refers to the first square sail on a mast).

- give a wide berth = to avoid someone or something unpleasant (to avoid the risk of collision).

- pipe down = to stop talking and be quiet (this originated as a literal naval command to signal sailors to keep quiet and go to their sleeping quarters at night).

- short-handed = lacking sufficient crew members (insufficient staff).

- over a barrel = to be in a situation in which someone has no choice about what to do.

- know the ropes = to be experienced and knowledgeable (refers to a sailor's familiarity with ship operation).

- man the helm = to be in charge or take control (refers to steering the ship).

- loose lips sink ships = the importance of secrecy to avoid giving away information to enemies.

- read the riot act = to severely reprimand someone (originates from a captain reading a formal message outlining punishments).

- ship-shape = in excellent condition and order.

- pass with flying colours = to succeed brilliantly (refers to a ship successfully completing a signal exchange).

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SYNONYMS

about to happen, almost upon us, anticipated, approaching, at hand, brewing, close, coming, expected, fast approaching, forthcoming, imminent, impending, in store, in the air, IN THE OFFING, in the pipeline, in the wind, looming, looming large, menacing, near, on the cards, on the horizon, on the way, threatening

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SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation, say something like:

“Stay tuned! With lockdown being over, there are more and more in-person training events IN THE OFFING.”

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