See, spot, tell, smell, etc. something a mile off

Definition 1 of 1

Pro Tip 1/3

This phrase doesn't mean physical distance. It's about noticing something long before it becomes a problem.

With his experience, he could tell a customer's issue a mile off.

Pro Tip 2/3

Different verbs ('see', 'spot', 'smell') highlight specific senses, intensifying the feeling of anticipation.

She could smell a scam a mile off and avoided the fraud.

Pro Tip 3/3

Commonly used in casual speech to emphasize one's strong intuition or foresight in various situations.

I could see his surprise plan a mile off; he's not good at hiding things.

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