Idioms for coming soon are special phrases that mean something different from what the words say on their own. People use them to make their speaking and writing more colorful, exciting, and expressive. In this guide, you will learn many popular expressions that describe things arriving shortly, happening in the near future, or being just around the corner.
In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean approaching quickly, getting ready to launch, or being right on the horizon. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.
Idioms for Coming Soon
1. Around the corner
Meaning: Happening or arriving very shortly in time.
For Example: Summer vacation is just around the corner, so everyone is excited. / The final basketball game of the season is around the corner.
Other Ways to Say: Nearby in time / Happening shortly
2. On the horizon
Meaning: Expected to happen or appear in the near future.
For Example: Big changes are on the horizon for our school music program. / A brand new playground park is on the horizon for our neighborhood.
Other Ways to Say: Coming up / Approaching soon
3. In the pipeline
Meaning: Being planned, developed, or prepared to happen soon.
For Example: The company has several new video games in the pipeline. / Another field trip is in the pipeline for our history class.
Other Ways to Say: Under development / In preparation
4. Right around the bend
Meaning: Coming very soon or located just a short time ahead.
For Example: Do not worry because the weekend is right around the bend. / The holiday parade is right around the bend now.
Other Ways to Say: Near at hand / Approaching quickly
5. In the offing
Meaning: Likely to happen or appear very soon.
For Example: A major storm seems to be in the offing for this evening. / A promotion at work was in the offing for my big brother.
Other Ways to Say: Expected soon / Likely coming
6. Down the road
Meaning: Happening at a future point in time.
For Example: You will use these math skills further down the road in high school. / We might buy a new family car down the road.
Other Ways to Say: In the future / Ahead in time
7. Just ahead
Meaning: Situated immediately in front of you in time or distance.
For Example: A long three-day weekend is just ahead for the students. / Great opportunities are just ahead if you keep practicing.
Other Ways to Say: Right before us / Approaching next
8. On the doorstep
Meaning: Very close to arriving or happening right now.
For Example: Winter is on our doorstep, so we need warm winter coats. / Exam week is on the doorstep for the fifth graders.
Other Ways to Say: Imminent / Extremely near
9. Right on the tip of tomorrow
Meaning: Happening almost immediately on the very next day.
For Example: Our exciting field trip to the science museum is right on the tip of tomorrow. / The grand opening of the pool is right on the tip of tomorrow.
Other Ways to Say: Starting tomorrow / Very near future
10. In the works
Meaning: Being currently planned, produced, or built to launch soon.
For Example: A surprise birthday party for Mom is currently in the works. / The city has a new bicycle path in the works.
Other Ways to Say: Being prepared / Underway
11. On the cards
Meaning: Very likely or expected to occur soon.
For Example: A warm sunny weekend is on the cards according to the weather reporter. / Joining the soccer league was on the cards for Sam.
Other Ways to Say: Likely to happen / Probable
12. At hand
Meaning: Near in time and ready to be dealt with or enjoyed.
For Example: The moment of truth for our school play performance is at hand. / With the holidays at hand, everyone is buying presents.
Other Ways to Say: Near / Arriving now
13. Knocking on the door
Meaning: Arriving so soon that it feels like it is right outside.
For Example: Graduation day is knocking on the door for the older students. / Autumn weather is knocking on the door this week.
Other Ways to Say: Approaching fast / Nearly here
14. Just around the bend of time
Meaning: Scheduled to take place in a very short duration.
For Example: The start of the movie is just around the bend of time. / Our departure for camp is just around the bend of time.
Other Ways to Say: Coming up fast / Imminent arrival
15. In store
Meaning: Waiting to happen to someone in the near future.
For Example: We have a lot of fun games in store for the party tonight. / Who knows what surprises are in store for us tomorrow?
Other Ways to Say: Awaiting us / Planned for future
16. Fast approaching
Meaning: Moving toward a specific time or date at a high speed.
For Example: The deadline for turning in art contest posters is fast approaching. / Winter break is fast approaching, and kids are excited.
Other Ways to Say: Coming quickly / Nearing fast
17. On the way
Meaning: Traveling toward a place or getting closer in time.
For Example: Delicious pizza is on the way for our team lunch. / Spring flowers are on the way as the weather warms up.
Other Ways to Say: Arriving soon / En route
18. Right in front of us
Meaning: Happening so soon that it is easy to see and prepare for.
For Example: The championship game is right in front of us this Saturday. / The new school term is right in front of us.
Other Ways to Say: Immediate / Very close
19. On the verge
Meaning: Extremely close to beginning, changing, or happening.
For Example: The flowers in the garden are on the verge of blooming. / She was on the verge of tears of joy when she won.
Other Ways to Say: Point of starting / Almost there
20. On the brink
Meaning: Standing right at the very edge of a new event or major change.
For Example: Scientists are on the brink of discovering a new cure. / The team stood on the brink of a historic championship win.
Other Ways to Say: Very edge / Right before
21. Looming large
Meaning: Appearing in the near future in a big, noticeable way.
For Example: The big state math exam was looming large on the class calendar. / The upcoming move to a new house was looming large.
Other Ways to Say: Approaching noticeably / Impending
22. In the wind
Meaning: Feeling or sensing that a change or event is coming soon.
For Example: You could feel that exciting news was in the wind at school. / Changes to the cafeteria menu are in the wind.
Other Ways to Say: Rumored / Coming soon
23. Drawing near
Meaning: Getting closer and closer as time passes.
For Example: As the hour of the concert was drawing near, the singers took their places. / The end of the school year is drawing near.
Other Ways to Say: Approaching / Getting closer
24. Right down the line
Meaning: Expected to happen a bit further along in a series of events.
For Example: We will add new features to the project right down the line. / More fun activities are planned right down the line.
Other Ways to Say: Later on / Ahead
25. Ready to roll
Meaning: Prepared and about to start or be released very shortly.
For Example: Pack your bags because our road trip is ready to roll. / The new school website is ready to roll next week.
Other Ways to Say: About to start / Prepared for launch
26. On the runway
Meaning: In the final stages of preparation before launching publicly.
For Example: The author’s new children book is sitting on the runway. / Our science fair project is on the runway for tomorrow.
Other Ways to Say: Set for launch / Nearly ready
27. About to burst onto the scene
Meaning: Arriving soon with lots of energy, excitement, and attention.
For Example: A talented young singer is about to burst onto the scene. / The new playground equipment is about to burst onto the scene.
Other Ways to Say: Arriving dramatically / Debuting soon
28. On the horizon’s edge
Meaning: Positioned just where the near future begins.
For Example: New adventures are waiting on the horizon’s edge for graduates. / The start of summer is sitting on the horizon’s edge.
Other Ways to Say: Very near / Just ahead
29. Right around the clock’s turn
Meaning: Expected to happen within a very short timeframe or hours.
For Example: The test results will arrive right around the clock’s turn. / Our departure is set right around the clock’s turn.
Other Ways to Say: Happening shortly / Very soon
30. Waiting in the wings
Meaning: Ready to step forward and appear or start at any moment.
For Example: The backup actor was waiting in the wings during the play. / A whole new set of lesson plans is waiting in the wings.
Other Ways to Say: Ready to step in / Standing by
31. On the near horizon
Meaning: Close to occurring in the upcoming days or weeks.
For Example: Field day is on the near horizon for all third graders. / Cooler autumn air is on the near horizon now.
Other Ways to Say: Coming shortly / Approaching
32. In short order
Meaning: Happening very quickly and without any long delay.
For Example: The delicious lunch will be served in short order. / We will fix the broken bicycle tire in short order.
Other Ways to Say: Quickly / Promptly
33. Before long
Meaning: In a brief amount of time from right now.
For Example: Before long, the snow will melt and flowers will grow. / You will master playing the piano before long if you practice.
Other Ways to Say: Soon / Shortly
34. In the cards for tomorrow
Meaning: Definitely expected to take place in the immediate future.
For Example: A big celebration is in the cards for tomorrow after the win. / Sunny weather is in the cards for tomorrow morning.
Other Ways to Say: Expected soon / Likely next
35. Near at hand
Meaning: Close in physical distance or about to happen very soon.
For Example: Keep your textbooks near at hand because study time is coming. / The winter holidays are near at hand for the family.
Other Ways to Say: Close by / Approaching
36. Inches away
Meaning: Extremely close to arriving, completing, or happening.
For Example: Our track team is inches away from breaking the school record. / The construction of the library is inches away from finishing.
Other Ways to Say: Almost done / Nearly there
37. On the cusp
Meaning: At the exact turning point right before a major event or change.
For Example: She was on the cusp of making the varsity soccer team. / The town is on the cusp of a major growth period.
Other Ways to Say: At the threshold / Just about to
38. Right around the bend of the road
Meaning: Located just a little bit further along the timeline.
For Example: A warm summer breeze is right around the bend of the road. / The final chapter of the book is right around the bend of the road.
Other Ways to Say: Coming next / Ahead
39. Set to happen
Meaning: Scheduled and ready to occur as planned.
For Example: The school talent show is set to happen this Friday night. / The launching of the model rocket is set to happen at noon.
Other Ways to Say: Scheduled / Planned
40. Gaining on us
Meaning: Approaching quickly from behind in time or distance.
For Example: The project deadline is gaining on us fast, so let us hurry. / The thunderstorm is gaining on us from the west.
Other Ways to Say: Closing in / Getting closer
41. Closing in fast
Meaning: Coming closer very rapidly as time ticks away.
For Example: The end of the quarter is closing in fast for students. / The lead runner heard footsteps closing in fast behind him.
Other Ways to Say: Nearing rapidly / Approaching quickly
42. In the immediate future
Meaning: Taking place within the next few moments, hours, or days.
For Example: We have no plans for travel in the immediate future. / The schedule will change in the immediate future.
Other Ways to Say: Very soon / Short term
43. Right at the threshold
Meaning: Standing at the very doorway of a new experience or event.
For Example: The children stood right at the threshold of winter break. / She felt right at the threshold of a great discovery.
Other Ways to Say: On the verge / At the entrance
44. Ready to launch
Meaning: Fully prepared and set to begin or be released immediately.
For Example: The new school newspaper issue is ready to launch today. / Our rocket experiment is ready to launch on the field.
Other Ways to Say: Prepared to start / Set to go
45. In due course
Meaning: Happening at the proper, natural, and expected time soon.
For Example: You will receive your report cards in due course next week. / The flowers will bloom in due course as spring arrives.
Other Ways to Say: Eventually / At the right time
46. On the tip of the tongue of time
Meaning: Almost ready to be revealed or announced to everyone.
For Example: The winner’s name is on the tip of the tongue of time. / The secret surprise is on the tip of the tongue of time.
Other Ways to Say: About to be announced / Coming out soon
47. Just down the line
Meaning: Expected to take place a short distance ahead in time.
For Example: More fun field trips are planned just down the line. / We will learn harder fractions just down the line in math.
Other Ways to Say: Coming later / Ahead
48. Knocking at the gate
Meaning: Arriving rapidly and demanding immediate attention.
For Example: Exam season is knocking at the gate for all middle schoolers. / Cold winter winds are knocking at the gate today.
Other Ways to Say: Approaching fast / Nearly here
49. About to drop
Meaning: Slated to be released, published, or made public very soon.
For Example: The band’s brand new album is about to drop tomorrow. / The updated game trailer is about to drop online.
Other Ways to Say: Releasing soon / Arriving shortly
50. Waiting just ahead
Meaning: Sitting in position ready for your arrival or experience.
For Example: A hot bowl of soup is waiting just ahead at home. / Great rewards are waiting just ahead for your hard work.
Other Ways to Say: Coming up / In store
51. In the near future
Meaning: Taking place in a short amount of time from the present.
For Example: We hope to visit our grandparents in the near future. / Solar panels will be installed in the near future.
Other Ways to Say: Soon / Shortly
52. On the verge of arrival
Meaning: About to reach a destination or appear at any second.
For Example: The school bus is on the verge of arrival at our stop. / The package we ordered is on the verge of arrival.
Other Ways to Say: Arriving now / Almost here
53. Right at hand
Meaning: Available or happening immediately without any long delay.
For Example: The answers to your study guide are right at hand. / Help is right at hand if you need assistance with math.
Other Ways to Say: Readily available / Near
54. Just around the corner of time
Meaning: Occurring in a very short moment on the schedule.
For Example: The weekend is just around the corner of time for us. / Our holiday break is just around the corner of time.
Other Ways to Say: Happening soon / Coming up
55. On the approach
Meaning: Moving toward a location or time frame in a steady manner.
For Example: The airplane was seen on the approach to the airport runway. / Cold weather is clearly on the approach this week.
Other Ways to Say: Nearing / Coming in
56. Right on the horizon
Meaning: Brightly visible in the upcoming schedule or near future.
For Example: A brand new school year is right on the horizon. / Winning the championship trophy was right on the horizon.
Other Ways to Say: Expected soon / Visible ahead
57. Set to launch
Meaning: Scheduled to start, begin, or open up to the public shortly.
For Example: The local park improvement project is set to launch next Monday. / Our computer coding club is set to launch after school.
Other Ways to Say: Starting soon / Ready to begin
58. Around the next bend
Meaning: Waiting for you just a short distance further in time.
For Example: A brand new adventure is waiting around the next bend. / Better weather is coming around the next bend.
Other Ways to Say: Ahead / Coming soon
59. Right around the clock
Meaning: Expected to take place as soon as the clock ticks forward a little.
For Example: The arrival of our guests is right around the clock. / The official announcement will happen right around the clock.
Other Ways to Say: Shortly / Very soon
60. On the threshold
Meaning: Standing right at the start of a brand new phase or event.
For Example: She felt like she was on the threshold of a great career in art. / The students stood on the threshold of middle school graduation.
Other Ways to Say: At the beginning / Ready to enter
Exercise to Practice
- Summer vacation is just around the ________, so everyone is counting down the days.
- Our teacher mentioned that an exciting field trip is in the ________ for next month.
- Don’t worry about the hard week because the weekend is right around the ________.
- With all our practice, a great game is on the ________ for our soccer team.
- Our class project to build a model solar system is currently in the ________.
- The deadline for submitting your science fair entry is fast ________.
- Hot chocolate and warm cookies are waiting for us right in ________ of us.
- The flowers in the school garden are on the ________ of blooming into full color.
- As the time for the piano recital was drawing ________, she took a deep breath.
- The school plays are set to ________ this Friday in the gymnasium.
- The final exam date is gaining on us ________, so we must study every night.
- The school bus is on the verge of ________ at the main entrance.
- A brand new playground park is right on the ________ for our community.
- The updated school website is set to ________ next Monday morning.
- Graduating students feel like they are standing on the ________ of a new adventure.
Answer Key
- corner
- pipeline
- bend
- horizon
- works
- approaching
- front
- verge
- near
- happen
- fast
- arrival
- horizon
- launch
- threshold
Conclusion
Learning idioms for coming soon is a fantastic way to boost your vocabulary and describe upcoming events with excitement. These expressive phrases help make your writing, speech, and everyday conversations much more lively, dynamic, and engaging.
Try incorporating a few of these idioms the next time you talk about your weekend plans or write a story about an upcoming adventure. Sharing these fun expressions in real life will make your communication skills shine!
