What does “Wide of the mark” mean?
"Wide of the mark" means that something is not accurate or correct.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
His guess was wide of the mark and completely off base.
His guess was wide of the mark and completely off base.
Example
The news report was wide of the mark and contained several factual errors.
The news report was wide of the mark and contained several factual errors.
Example
Her assumption about the situation was wide of the mark and showed a lack of understanding
Her assumption about the situation was wide of the mark and showed a lack of understanding
Is “Wide of the mark” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Wide of the mark” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Wide of the mark” effectively in context?
You can use "Wide of the Mark" to describe something that is not accurate or correct. It emphasizes that the information, guess, or assumption is far from the truth. For example, if someone makes a wild guess that is completely wrong, you might say, 'Your guess was wide of the mark and completely off base.'
- 1Guessing
His guess was wide of the mark and completely off base.
His guess was wide of the mark and completely off base.
- 2Reporting
The news report was wide of the mark and contained several factual errors.
The news report was wide of the mark and contained several factual errors.
- 3Assuming
Her assumption about the situation was wide of the mark and showed a lack of understanding.
Her assumption about the situation was wide of the mark and showed a lack of understanding.
Similar phrases to “Wide of the mark”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Wide of the mark” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Wide of the Mark" is unknown.
Is “Wide of the mark” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Wide of the Mark" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to point out inaccuracies or incorrect information.
What tone does “Wide of the mark” have?
"Wide of the Mark" conveys a tone of criticism or correction. It is used to highlight that something is not accurate or correct.
Can “Wide of the mark” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Wide of the Mark" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts to describe inaccuracies. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'His explanation was wide of the mark.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That's "wide of the mark"!' to express disagreement or correction.
