The phrase "wide of mark" means to be inaccurate or off the target, often used in sports. The pronunciation of the word "wide" is /waɪd/ with a long "i" sound followed by a "d" sound. The word "of" is pronounced /əv/ with a short "u" sound and a "v" sound. The word "mark" is pronounced /mɑːk/ with a long "a" sound followed by a "r" and a "k" sound. So, altogether the phrase "wide of mark" is pronounced /waɪd əv mɑːk/.
The phrase "wide of mark" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something that is significantly off or inaccurate in relation to a particular standard, expectation, or target. It suggests that the result or outcome misses the intended or desired mark by a considerable margin.
In a literal sense, the term "mark" refers to a target or goal that needs to be hit or achieved. By describing something as "wide of mark," it implies that the actual result is far away from the intended objective or expectation. The word "wide" indicates a significant deviation or distance from the desired outcome, suggesting a substantial degree of inaccuracy, error, or misjudgment.
This expression is commonly used in various contexts, such as sports, academics, or even everyday situations. For example, in sports, if a player shoots a ball that totally misses the goal, it can be said that the shot was "wide of mark." Similarly, if a student's answer in an exam is highly incorrect or irrelevant, it can be described as "wide of mark."
Overall, the phrase "wide of mark" conveys the idea of a notable deviation or inaccuracy from the intended target or expectation. It emphasizes the magnitude of the error or failure by using "wide" to highlight the substantial distance between the actual result and the desired outcome.