slow off the mark
slow to act or react
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He was slow off the mark and missed the bus.”
“The team was slow off the mark, allowing their opponents to score two quick goals.”
“Because the government was slow off the mark to address the crisis, the public lost faith in their ability to manage the situation effectively.”
Derived from the terminology of competitive racing, where the mark denotes the specific point from which a runner or horse begins. The idiom refers to a lack of alacrity in departing that starting position.
- 01
black mark
Something that negatively affects someone's reputation.
- 02
do a slow burn
To experience a gradually increasing feeling of anger or frustration; to slowly burn.
- 03
easy mark
Someone who is easily fooled or victimized.
- 04
get off the mark
To score one's first points
- 05
make one's mark
To make, or leave, a lasting impression, especially to achieve prominent success.
- 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