off the mark

off the mark

Inaccurate or wrong. I never once said that! Your reporter's account is completely off the mark. I thought I knew what the real estate costs were around here, but wow, I was totally off the mark.
See also: mark, off
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

off the mark

Fig. not quite exactly right. Her answer was a little off the mark. You were off the mark when you said we would be a little late to the party. It was yesterday, in fact!
See also: mark, off
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

off the mark

Also, wide of the mark. Inaccurate, wrong, as in The forecast was off the mark, since unemployment is down, or His answers on the test were just wide of the mark. It is also put as miss the mark, meaning "be mistaken," as in The minister missed the mark when he assumed everyone would contribute to the supper. All these terms allude to mark in the sense of "a target," as do the antonyms on the mark and hit the mark, meaning "exactly right," as in He was right on the mark with that budget amendment, or Bill hit the mark when he accused Tom of lying. [Mid-1300s]
See also: mark, off
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

off (or wide of) the mark

1 a long way away from an intended target. 2 incorrect or inaccurate.
See also: mark, off
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be off the mark
  • far off the mark
  • be off beam
  • be off base
  • be way off beam
  • miss the mark
  • fall for
  • fall for (someone or something)
  • off (the) track
  • off the track
References in periodicals archive
Title: The Off the Mark Science Fiction Picture Show Author: Mark Parisi Published by: Plan Nine Publishing ISBN: 1-929462-33-6 Price: USD9.95 Reviewer: Ann Sundqvist
The Off the Mark Science Fiction Picture Show
QUICK OFF THE MARK: The 406 Coupe has a diesel version
DRIVE TIME: MOTORING: Coupe takes to diesel power!; 30 PER CENT LESS FUEL USE THAN PETROL MODEL
He was out of form when last seen in January but has bounced back after a break more than once before and the yard got off the mark for the season with a big-priced winner at Windsor recently.
Join the party in going for a Ginvincible double
I wanted him to score to get himself off the mark and get that monkey off his back.
I wanted to help Grigg off the mark
SHAFAFYA (trainer) SHAFAFYA should be able to get off the mark at the third attempt after luckless fourth in a Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Nottingham.
Watch out for..
What a start Everton have made, particularly as they are usually slow off the mark and then forced to play catch-up.
a UNUSUAL SUSPECTS
He said: "Any notion that Mickey is giving up on the role are way off the mark. We'd love Tom Hardy to be involved, but he will not be playing me."
Rourke still in rugby Alfie's film team; UKBULLETINS
"It was good to get off the mark and while I tired after an hour or so my sharpness is returning.
Boyd pledge to fire Forest
* QUICK OFF THE MARK: New Giants centre Jamie Simpson is in training at the Giants but had a run-out for the Under 20s against Hull FC at Laund Hill
Simpson has first run-out
Admittedly he took a while to get off the mark, finally obliging at the fourth time of asking when winning a very average Doncaster event over seven furlongs.
Ertikaan can hits his rivals for six with success at Leicester
Murton drew 1-1 with visitors Cramlington Town who were indebted to Nathan Rogerson's 85th-minute equaliser after Steve Turner got Murton off the mark.
Football: RE/MAX NORTHERN ALLIANCE
Lowe was quick off the mark, firing Middlesbrough in front after just 10 minutes and he added a second two minutes later.
Schools soccer
One of the most high-profile of recruits to the hurdling game in a while - he won over pounds 150,000 on the level - he got off the mark at the first time of asking at Newbury.
Place looks a Shaw thing
This three-year-old got off the mark last month at Roscommon, where she led a furlong from home and ran on strongly to beat 14 rivals in a seven-furlong maiden event.
Horse Racing: Don't Miss chance to kiss the Blarney; RACING SPECIAL
"Obviously, the sale clearly showed that the Orangetown assessment was way off the mark," noted Schuller, "but the real issue is whether this is an isolated case or whether other local assessors have been equally remiss in accurately appraising the value of commercial real estate in Westchester and Rockland counties.
Record tax reduction in Rockland