off the cuff

Meaning

This idiom describes speaking, acting, or making remarks spontaneously without any prior preparation or planning. In business, it's often used when someone is asked to give an opinion, speech, or estimate on the spot during a meeting.

Examples

• I didn't have time to prepare a presentation, so I just spoke off the cuff.

  I didn't have time to prepare a presentation, so I just spoke off the cuff.

• Off the cuff, I'd say the project will take about three weeks, but let me check the schedule.

  Off the cuff, I'd say the project will take about three weeks, but let me check the schedule.

• His off-the-cuff remarks during the Q&A session actually went over really well with the clients.

  His off-the-cuff remarks during the Q&A session actually went over really well with the clients.

• I hate giving presentations off the cuff; I always prefer to have clear slides prepared.

  I hate giving presentations off the cuff; I always prefer to have clear slides prepared.

• She is great at answering tough questions off the cuff during press conferences.

  She is great at answering tough questions off the cuff during press conferences.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He spoke off his cuff during the meeting.

  ✓ He spoke off the cuff during the meeting.

  The idiom uses the definite article 'the', not a possessive pronoun like 'his' or 'my'.

• ✗ I need to prepare this presentation off the cuff.

  ✓ I need to give this presentation off the cuff.

  'Off the cuff' means without preparation. Saying you need to 'prepare' something off the cuff is a contradiction.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I can't give you an exact estimate ___, but it should be around $5,000.

  💡 Without looking at the numbers or preparing.

  Show answer

  off the cuff

• She didn't prepare a speech, so she had to deliver her remarks ___.

  💡 Spontaneously, right there.

  Show answer

  off the cuff