Idiom
quick off the mark
Reacting faster than other people in a situation.
Meanings
Reacting or understanding very quickly; fast to respond.
Starting an activity faster than others and gaining an early advantage.
Definition
If someone is quick off the mark, they respond or act very quickly, often before others do. It can describe fast thinking, fast decision-making, or a rapid start in an activity. The phrase often suggests an advantage gained by being alert and ready.
Examples
- She was quick off the mark and answered before anyone else.
- Our competitor was quick off the mark and launched the new feature first.
- He’s quick off the mark when it comes to spotting mistakes.
- The kids were quick off the mark and grabbed the best seats.
- I wasn’t quick off the mark, so I missed the chance to apply.
Common mistake
Learners often say "quick on the mark" instead of the correct form "quick off the mark."
More idiom (adjective phrase)s
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
- chuffed to bits Very pleased and proud about something.
- easy as pie Used to say that something is very easy to do or understand.
- right as rain Completely well again, or in perfect condition.
- thick as two short planks Extremely stupid or slow to understand.