ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wide of the mark

idiom
Meaning

(Very) inaccurate.


Origin

disputed origin

From archery and sports jargon. Sometimes corrupted to wide(ly) off the mark (as in far off the mark, way off base).

Examples
SIMPLE

Your guess about the price is wide of the mark.

CONTEXTUAL

The reporter's initial theory about the accident was wide of the mark, as new evidence soon proved.

COMPLEX

Although the analyst claimed his forecasts were precise, his projections for the quarterly earnings remained significantly wide of the mark.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    black mark

    Something that negatively affects someone's reputation.

  2. 02

    cut a wide swath

    To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.

  3. 03

    easy mark

    Someone who is easily fooled or victimized.

  4. 04

    get off the mark

    To score one's first points

  5. 05

    into the wide blue yonder

    A faraway place which is unknown and mysterious.

  6. 06

    make one's mark

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

  7. 07

    mark my words

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

  8. 08

    mark one's own homework

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

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