English Reference
Idiom idiom

get off the mark


To score one's first points

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

The team finally got off the mark with a late goal.

CONTEXTUAL

After struggling for three games, the striker finally got off the mark with a powerful header.

COMPLEX

Despite the immense pressure of the championship final, the young athlete managed to get off the mark early, securing the lead for his team.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  3. 03

    black mark

    Something that negatively affects someone's reputation.

  4. 04

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  5. 05

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  6. 06

    could not get elected dogcatcher

    Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.

  7. 07

    don't get someone started

    Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.

  8. 08

    easy mark

    Someone who is easily fooled or victimized.

Last updated August 10, 2026