Pronunciation: [wɒz ˈɒf ðə mˈɑːk] (IPA) 
The phrase "was off the mark" means that something was inaccurate or incorrect. The spelling of the word "off" is pronounced as /ɒf/ in IPA phonetic transcription, which represents the short vowel sound "o". Similarly, the word "mark" is spelled as /mɑrk/ in IPA, with the "a" sound pronounced as in "car". Together, the phrase is spelled and pronounced as /wɒz ɒf ðə mɑrk/.
"Was off the mark" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where a statement, prediction, or observation is incorrect, inaccurate, or not in alignment with reality or the desired outcome. Often associated with judgments, assessments, or measurements, this phrase conveys the idea that the person's evaluation, estimation, or expectation missed the intended target or objective. It implies that the individual failed to accurately perceive, understand, or anticipate something and therefore provided an erroneous interpretation or conclusion.
When someone's assessment or prediction is off the mark, it suggests a miscalculation or misjudgment. It indicates that the person's perspective or assumptions were flawed, leading to an incorrect understanding or outcome. This phrase is commonly employed in various contexts, such as sports, business, or daily interactions, to highlight cases where expectations were unmet or outcomes differed from what was anticipated.
For instance, if someone predicts the winner of a football match, but their prediction turns out to be incorrect, it can be said that their forecast was off the mark. Similarly, if a student answers a question incorrectly during an exam, their response can be considered off the mark. Overall, this phrase emphasizes the discrepancy between an expected or anticipated result and the actual outcome, highlighting the existence of an error or misjudgment.
