English idiom

off the mark

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

incorrect, inaccurate, or below the expected standard

Word picture

An attempt is pictured as a shot or throw that misses its intended mark.

Example

“The analyst's prediction was well off the mark.”

Dictionary details

Component words

mark

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

hit the mark

to produce exactly the intended effect or be correct

below par

worse than the normal or expected standard

go downhill

to become progressively worse in condition, quality, or performance

miss the boat

To lose a chance to do something by being too slow or late.

back to square one

to return to the beginning of a task after an attempt has failed

back to the drawing board

to start planning or designing again after an idea or attempt has failed

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

markdown