on the horizon
Visible but distant
On the horizon describes something visible in the distance or, more commonly, something expected to appear in the near future.
The literal sense—a ship on the horizon—extends naturally to events and possibilities approaching but not yet arrived: There's trouble on the horizon, New regulations are on the horizon.
The phrase suggests anticipation, whether hopeful or ominous.
- upcomingSoon to occur
- forthcomingSoon to appear
- approachingComing toward something
- coming down the pikeAbout to happen
- in the offingSoon to come about
visible · impending · looming · just around the bend · emerging · soon · shortly · not far off · in store · within reach · closing in · inevitable · around the corner · dawning · appearing · on the cards · down the road · distant
- anticipationanticipating, expectation, expectancy, expecting, awaiting
- futureforthcoming, upcoming, coming, impending, imminent
- cautioncareful, be careful, cautious, caution, watch out
- fatedestiny, fate, kismet, Moira, fated
- proximitynear, close, nearby, nearness, proximity
- coming soontrailer, teaser, preview, sneak peek, preorder
on the horizonin the past
Previously occurred
long gone · ancient history · present · here and now · current
on the horizonout of the question
Completely impossible to consider
off the table · ruled out · inconceivable · impossible · unforeseeable