Be off the mark
phrasal verb
To be incorrect or inaccurate.
His guess on the final score was off the mark. The team won by much more than he predicted.
Often appears as...
- guess is off the mark
- prediction was off the mark
phrasal verb
Missing the intended target.
His aim was slightly off the mark and the dart landed outside the board.
Often appears as...
- shot was off the mark
- throw off the mark
phrasal verb
To be incorrect or inaccurate.
His guess on the final score was off the mark. The team won by much more than he predicted.
Often appears as...
- guess is off the mark
- prediction was off the mark
phrasal verb
Missing the intended target.
His aim was slightly off the mark and the dart landed outside the board.
Often appears as...
- shot was off the mark
- throw off the mark
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Use
Often used metaphorically to discuss ideas or theories that don't align with actual results.
Her theories on climate change were off the mark, as the data showed a different trend.
Pro Tip 2/3Evaluative Contexts
Used when assessing the accuracy of someone's judgment or estimation in various situations.
The critic's review of the movie was completely off the mark.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Tone
The phrase is neutral and can be used without implying a negative judgment on someone's character.
Your estimate is off the mark, but it was a good try.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Use
Often used metaphorically to discuss ideas or theories that don't align with actual results.
Her theories on climate change were off the mark, as the data showed a different trend.
Pro Tip 2/3Evaluative Contexts
Used when assessing the accuracy of someone's judgment or estimation in various situations.
The critic's review of the movie was completely off the mark.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Tone
The phrase is neutral and can be used without implying a negative judgment on someone's character.
Your estimate is off the mark, but it was a good try.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Use
Often used metaphorically to discuss ideas or theories that don't align with actual results.
Her theories on climate change were off the mark, as the data showed a different trend.
Pro Tip 2/3Evaluative Contexts
Used when assessing the accuracy of someone's judgment or estimation in various situations.
The critic's review of the movie was completely off the mark.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Tone
The phrase is neutral and can be used without implying a negative judgment on someone's character.
Your estimate is off the mark, but it was a good try.
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