in the offing

phrase

1. literally, usually Within the area of the sea known as the offing; at a considerable distance from land, but visible from shore, often in reference to an approaching ship. They could see that the ship was waiting in the offing.
2. figuratively Soon to come; likely to happen; in the foreseeable future; projected to occur; on the horizon; in the wind. We have known wives to forget that they had husbands,[…] especially when they supposed that a tax bill or a notification to do military duty might be in the offing!
3. idiomatic At a distance, but visible. The moment I saw the man standing there, registering respectful attention, a weight seemed to roll off my mind. I felt like a lost child who spots his father in the offing. There was something about him that gave me confidence.