1
general::
Phrase(s): in the near future
Cliché in the time immediately ahead. • I don’t plan to go to Florida in the near future. • Today’s prices won’t be around in the near future.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Very soon, within a short time. For example, We'll be needing a new car in the near future. This term employs near in the sense of "close at hand," a usage dating from about 1300. Also see AT HAND, def. 2.
American Heritage Idioms