# slow off the mark

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/slow-off-the-mark
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

slow to act or react

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.