The phrase "wide the mark" is an idiomatic expression primarily used in sports and competitive activities. It is commonly associated with archery or shooting, where accuracy is crucial. However, it can also be adapted metaphorically to describe any situation where someone has missed the target or goal.
In the literal sense, "wide the mark" refers to an archer's shot missing the desired spot completely, sometimes by a considerable margin. This happens when the arrow veers off course and fails to hit the intended target, resulting in an "off-target" shot. Similarly, in other shooting disciplines, like firearms or darts, if a participant fails to hit the bullseye or designated area, their shot is considered "wide the mark".
Metaphorically, "wide the mark" implies a failure to achieve a particular objective or to meet expectations. It signifies falling short of a desired outcome, often due to various factors such as lack of skill, miscalculation, or poor execution. For instance, in a business context, if a project or venture fails to achieve its predetermined goals or key performance indicators, it can be said to have gone wide the mark.
Overall, "wide the mark" conveys the idea of missing a target or objective either physically or metaphorically, emphasizing the deviation from the intended path or goal. It serves as a concise expression to describe situations where someone or something has failed to succeed in reaching a desired outcome.
