ENGLISH
REFERENCE

quick off the mark

idiom
Meaning

fast to act or react


Origin

disputed origin

From sports races, where the mark in this case is the point from which the racers start.

Examples
SIMPLE

She is quick off the mark when she hears the starting gun.

CONTEXTUAL

The company was quick off the mark to release a new app after the market changed.

COMPLEX

Being quick off the mark, the experienced negotiator immediately identified the flaw in the contract before his opponent could respond.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    black mark

    Something that negatively affects someone's reputation.

  2. 02

    easy mark

    Someone who is easily fooled or victimized.

  3. 03

    get off the mark

    To score one's first points

  4. 04

    make one's mark

    To make, or leave, a lasting impression, especially to achieve prominent success.

  5. 05

    make quick work of

    To accomplish a specified task easily and quickly.

  6. 06

    mark my words

    Listen to me; used before or after a statement one wishes to emphasize, especially a prediction.

  7. 07

    mark one's own homework

    To assume the role of evaluating one's doings when a disinterested party is required.

  8. 08

    mark someone's card

    To forcefully correct someone's behaviour.

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