In the offing vs. in the pipeline?

[Spearhead]

Hi, are these two idioms similar in meaning:

- in the offing
- in the pipeline

I understand that both describe a situation that relates to the future?
Thanks in advance!

[Alan]

Hi Spearhead,

They are both similar in that they refer to the future but I think there is a subtle difference. In the pipeline means that the project (or whatever) is in the process of being completed but in the offing is not quite as positive. It has the sense that it might be going ahead but it's not definite because at the moment people are talking about it or thinking about it.

Hope this helps.

Alan
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