off the cuff

cuff ¹  (kf)

n.

1.

a. A fold used as trimming at the bottom of a sleeve.

b. A band, often having an opening with a button closure, at the bottom of a sleeve.

2. The turned-up fold at the bottom of a trouser leg.

3. The band at the top of a sock.

4. The part of a glove that extends over the wrist.

5. A handcuff.

6. Medicine An inflatable band, usually wrapped around the upper arm, that is used along with a sphygmomanometer in measuring arterial blood pressure.

tr.v. cuffed, cuff·ing, cuffs

1. To form a cuff or cuffs on.

2. To put handcuffs on.

Idioms:

off the cuff

In an extemporaneous or informal manner.

on the cuff

On credit.

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[Middle English cuffe, mitten.]

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cuff ²  (kf)

tr.v. cuffed, cuff·ing, cuffs

To strike with or as if with the open hand; slap.

n.

A blow or slap with the open hand.

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[Origin unknown.]

Thesaurus

Adv.

1.

off the cuff - without preparation; "the presidential candidate made a remark off the cuff"