be in the offing crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "be in the offing crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide precise solutions along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "be in the offing crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
NEAR: Indicates closeness in time or space, often used for events about to occur.
6 Letters
COMING: Refers to something that is about to happen or is soon to appear.
7 Letters
PENDING: Denotes something that is awaiting decision, settlement, or about to take place.
8 Letters
IMMINENT: Describes an event that is about to happen very soon, often with a sense of urgency.
More About "be in the offing crossword"
"Be in the offing" is a nautical idiom, originally referring to a ship sighted 'offing' or far from shore, meaning it's visible but not yet arrived, implying it's on its way. In modern English, and especially in crosswords, it signifies something that is likely to happen or appear in the near future. Crossword constructors love these types of idiomatic phrases because they can be interpreted in various ways, leading to multiple potential answers depending on the exact nuance and letter count required.
Understanding the core meaning of this idiom — 'about to happen' — is key to unlocking the correct crossword answer. Whether it's a short answer like 'NEAR' or a longer one such as 'IMMINENT,' the underlying concept remains the same: an event or situation that is on its way and expected soon. Always consider the precise number of letters needed, as this is usually the most restrictive constraint in solving these clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always cross-reference the number of letters in the answer grid with the possible solutions. This is the fastest way to narrow down options for clues like "be in the offing."
- Consider Synonyms and Related Concepts: For idiomatic clues, brainstorm synonyms for the core meaning. "In the offing" means "soon," "coming," "approaching," "expected." List these and see if they fit the letter count.
- Look for Part-of-Speech Clues: Sometimes the phrasing of the clue can hint at the grammatical form of the answer. "Be in the offing" suggests an adjective or a verb in its present participle form.
- Use Cross-References: If you have some letters filled in from intersecting clues, use them to your advantage. Even one letter can eliminate many incorrect possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'be in the offing' mean in a crossword clue?
'Be in the offing' is an idiom that means something is likely to happen soon or is about to occur. In crosswords, clues using this phrase typically seek synonyms for 'upcoming,' 'imminent,' 'coming,' or 'expected.'
How do you approach idiom-based crossword clues?
When encountering idiom-based clues, try to understand the literal meaning of the phrase first, then think of single-word synonyms or closely related concepts. For 'be in the offing,' think of what is 'coming' or 'about to happen.' Context from surrounding filled letters can also be very helpful.
Are there common alternative phrases or synonyms for 'in the offing'?
Yes, common synonyms or similar phrases for 'in the offing' include 'on the horizon,' 'upcoming,' 'forthcoming,' 'expected,' 'approaching,' or 'around the corner.' These can often give you clues to related crossword answers.