quick off the mark
fast to act or react
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She is quick off the mark when she hears the starting gun.”
“The company was quick off the mark to release a new app after the market changed.”
“Being quick off the mark, the experienced negotiator immediately identified the flaw in the contract before his opponent could respond.”
From the terminology of track and field, where the mark denotes the specific point from which a racer commences their run. The phrase identifies those possessing the requisite alertness to react to the starting signal without delay.
- 01
black mark
Something that negatively affects someone's reputation.
- 02
easy mark
Someone who is easily fooled or victimized.
- 03
get off the mark
To score one's first points
- 04
make one's mark
To make, or leave, a lasting impression, especially to achieve prominent success.
- 05
make quick work of
To accomplish a specified task easily and quickly.
- 06
mark my words
Listen to me; used before or after a statement one wishes to emphasize, especially a prediction.
- 07
mark one's own homework
To assume the role of evaluating one's doings when a disinterested party is required.
- 08
mark someone's card
To forcefully correct someone's behaviour.
Last updated August 10, 2026