← Back to collection
Region: US | Usage example: He answered off the cuff during the Q&A.

Off the cuff

Meaning

Spoken without preparation.

Usage

Used when improvising.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Speeches or notes scribbled on a shirt cuff.

19th-century public speaking references.

Related Idioms

Go off half cocked

Act prematurely or without enough preparation.

Keep your nose to the grindstone

Work diligently without distraction.

No strings attached

Without conditions or obligations.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.