off the cuff
Meaning
Spoken or done without preparation; improvised on the spot.
Origin
From the idea of speaking without notes—sometimes linked to actors or speakers having brief notes tucked in a shirt cuff, or simply to the cuff as a convenient place for reminders. Over time it came to mean “without preparation.”
Notes
Often used for speeches, remarks, or answers given spontaneously. Neutral to casual; can imply “not polished” or “rough” depending on context.
Examples
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I didn’t prepare notes, so I spoke off the cuff during the meeting.
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Her off-the-cuff remark made everyone laugh.
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Can you give me an off-the-cuff estimate of the repair cost?
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He apologized for the off-the-cuff comment that came out harsher than he intended.
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The best ideas sometimes come from off-the-cuff conversations over coffee.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as an adverbial phrase: “speak off the cuff,” “an off-the-cuff remark/comment,” “answer off the cuff.” Hyphenate when used as an adjective before a noun.
Synonyms
- impromptu
- spontaneous
- on the fly
- without preparation
Antonyms
- prepared
- rehearsed
- scripted