Definition

Adjective phrase: 1. Inaccurate or incorrect: Not correct, true, or accurate; missing the intended target or point. 2. Not on target: Physically missing the aimed-at mark or goal.

Usage

This phrase is used to state that something is incorrect, inaccurate, or has failed to achieve its intended target. It often describes statements, guesses, estimates, or physical attempts that are wrong.

Examples

• Describing an incorrect statement:
  • His prediction about the election results was wide of the mark.
  • If you think I'm happy about this, you're wide of the mark.
• Describing a physical miss:
  • The striker's shot was wide of the mark and sailed over the bar.
  • The first arrow landed wide of the mark, but the second hit the bullseye.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used in comparative forms to emphasize the degree of inaccuracy.
  • Your estimate wasn't just slightly off; it was hopelessly wide of the mark.
  • The report's conclusions are so wide of the mark that they must be challenged.

Variants and Related Words

• Wide (adverb): In this specific context, used to mean "not on target." (e.g., )
• Off the mark: A more common synonym with the same meaning (inaccurate or incorrect).

Synonyms

• Inaccurate
• Incorrect
• Wrong
• Erroneous
• Off target
• Off base

Antonyms

• Accurate
• Correct
• On target
• On the mark
• Spot on

Related Idioms

• Miss the mark: To fail to achieve the intended result or to be incorrect. This is a very close synonym.
  • The new advertising campaign completely missed the mark with its target audience.

Adjective

1. not on target
   • the kick was wide
   • the arrow was wide of the mark
   • a claim that was wide of the truth