off the cuff

Definition

In an off-the-cuff manner.

Etymology

Purported to be from the habit by after-dinner speakers of jotting a few notes on the cuff of the sleeve.

Example Sentences

• "Nor was there anything off the cuff about their insistence that Manuel Pellegrini was happy to make the name of his replacement public knowledge, echoing his sentiment that they were “not doing anything behind me” from a press conference earlier in the same day."