wide of the mark: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘wide of the mark’ mean?
The idiom "wide of the mark" means to be incorrect or inaccurate in a judgment, estimation, or prediction.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "wide berth" means to keep a safe distance or to avoid getting involved with someone or something. It suggests being cautious and not taking any risks.
The idiom "swing and a miss" refers to a failed attempt or effort to do something successfully.
The idiom "slow off the mark" means to be slow or delayed in starting or reacting to something.
The idiom "slip of the pen" means to make a mistake when writing something, usually by accidentally writing the wrong word, letter, or phrase.
The idiom "shot in the dark" means to guess or try something without having any knowledge or information about it. It implies taking a random or uncertain action, often with little chance of success.
The idiom "short of a length" means slightly lacking intelligence or mental sharpness.
The idiom "short of a length" is a commonly used phrase in English language. It has its roots in the game of cricket, with "length" referring to the distance at which the ball is bowled. The idiom is primarily used in informal spoken English and is often used to describe a person or situation that is slightly eccentric or lacking in intelligence.
The idiom "quick off the mark" means to react quickly or be ready to take action immediately.
The idiom "quick off the mark" is commonly used in both British and American English. It means to be quick to react or respond to something, often describing someone who can think or act quickly in a situation.
The idiom "paint with a broad brush" means to make generalizations or stereotypes about a group of people or things without considering individual differences or nuances.
The idiom "paint with a broad brush" is often used in the English language. It has a figurative and metaphorical meaning that has been established over time. The origins of this idiom are not clear, but it has been in use for at least a few centuries.
The idiom "overstep the mark" means to go beyond the limits of what is considered acceptable or appropriate behavior.
An idiom is a phrase or expression with a figurative meaning that cannot be directly understood from its literal interpretation. One such idiom is "overstep the mark." It is believed to have originated in Britain in the early 19th century and is derived from the metaphorical act of crossing a boundary or exceeding limits.
The idiom "on the mark" means that something or someone is accurate or correct in their assessment or prediction.
Essential Interpretation: "Wide of the Mark"
First, let's list the facts about the idiom "wide of the mark" that we know for sure:
The phrase "wide of the mark" is an idiomatic expression.
The meaning of this idiom is to be far off from the intended target or goal.
The origin of the phrase is likely related to archery or shooting, where missing the target by a wide margin is undesirable.
It is commonly used in both spoken and written English.
The idiom can be used to describe various situations where someone or something missed the point or failed to achieve the desired outcome.
Based on these facts, we can create a logical structure for the analysis:
Paragraph 1: Introduce the idiom "wide of the mark" and its meaning.
Paragraph 2: Explore the possible origin of the phrase in archery or shooting.
Paragraph 3: Discuss the prevalence and usage of the idiom in the English language.
Paragraph 4: Provide examples and contexts in which the idiom is commonly used.
Paragraph 5: Conclude the analysis by emphasizing the versatility and enduring relevance of the idiom.
Now, let's proceed with the analysis:
The idiomatic expression "wide of the mark" means to be far off from the intended target or goal. It is commonly used to describe situations where someone or something has missed the point or failed to achieve the desired outcome.
The origin of this idiom is likely related to archery or shooting. When shooting an arrow or bullet at a target, precision is crucial. Missing the target by a wide margin is undesirable and suggests a lack of skill or accuracy. Therefore, "wide of the mark" came to symbolize being significantly off the intended target.
Due to its effectiveness and versatility, the idiom has become prevalent in the English language. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, making it accessible to a wide range of speakers and writers. The expression is widely understood and used across different English-speaking regions.
Examples of the idiom "wide of the mark" can be found in everyday conversations and written works, such as literature, journalism, and academic writing. For instance, one might say, "Your assumptions about the situation are wide of the mark," meaning that the person's understanding or interpretation is significantly incorrect or misguided. Similarly, a sports commentator might comment on a player's shot, stating, "That shot was wide of the mark," indicating that the player missed the goal by a considerable distance.
The idiom "wide of the mark" is closely related to the idioms "miss the mark," "on the mark," and "fall short." Each of these idioms conveys a different aspect of being off target or failing to achieve the desired outcome.
When someone "misses the mark," they have failed to reach their intended goal or target. This idiom emphasizes a lack of precision or accuracy in achieving the desired outcome. It is similar in meaning to "wide of the mark," but it does not necessarily imply being significantly off target.
On the other hand, when someone is "on the mark," they have successfully hit their intended target or goal. This idiom highlights accuracy and precision in achieving the desired outcome. It is the opposite of both "wide of the mark" and "miss the mark."
Lastly, when someone "falls short," they have not met the expectations or requirements for a particular task or goal. This idiom expresses the idea of not achieving the desired outcome or falling below a certain standard. While it is related to "wide of the mark," it is more focused on the idea of not reaching a particular level of success or achievement.
The idiom "wide of the mark" conveys the idea of being far off from the intended target or goal. Its origin likely stems from archery or shooting, where missing the target by a wide margin is undesirable. The idiom is prevalent in the English language and can be found in various contexts. It is closely related to idioms such as "miss the mark," "on the mark," and "fall short," each capturing a different aspect of being off target or failing to achieve the desired outcome. Despite its ancient roots, the idiom remains relevant and commonly used today, serving as a reminder to strive for accuracy and precision while acknowledging the possibility of missing the mark in different aspects of life.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "wide of the mark" can be used in a sentence:
- Her estimate of the project's cost was wide of the mark, as it ended up being much higher than she had predicted.
- The comedian's joke fell wide of the mark and received no laughter from the audience.
- His accusations against his colleague were completely wide of the mark, as there was no evidence to support his claims.
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