quick off the mark: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘quick off the mark’ mean?
The idiom "quick off the mark" means to react quickly or be ready to take action immediately.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "run off" means to leave quickly or flee.
The idiom "right away" means immediately or without delay.
The idiom "reel off" means to recite or say something quickly, easily, and without much thought or effort.
To be "quick on the uptake" means to understand or grasp something quickly and easily.
The idiom "quick on the draw" means to be very fast in reacting or responding to a situation or challenge.
When someone is quick on their feet, it means they are able to think and react quickly, especially in unexpected or difficult situations.
The idiom "quick-fire" means to do or say something very quickly without much hesitation or delay.
"Quick as a flash" means very fast or quickly. It is often used to describe someone who is able to react or respond immediately without any delay.
The idiom *quick-and-dirty* refers to a hasty and temporary solution or approach that may not be perfect or thorough, but is done rapidly to meet immediate needs or deadlines.
The idiom "point blank" means to speak or act in a direct, forceful, and straightforward manner, without hesitation or evasion. It is commonly used to describe a blunt and explicit statement or action, often without regard for diplomacy or tact.
Origins Unveiled
The idiom "quick off the mark" is commonly used in both British and American English. It means to be quick to react or respond to something, often describing someone who can think or act quickly in a situation.
Its origin can be traced back to horse racing, where the mark is a line on the ground used to start the race. Horses are lined up behind the mark, and being quick off the mark is crucial for their chances of winning.
Furthermore, this idiom can be used figuratively to describe people who are quick to respond in a conversation or argument, or who are quick to take advantage of opportunities. It can also describe those who are quick to understand or learn something.
The idiom "quick on the draw" is related to "quick off the mark". It is often used to describe someone who is quick to react or respond, especially in a competitive or confrontational situation. Just like being quick off the mark in horse racing, being quick on the draw can give someone an advantage.
Another related idiom is "off the bat". It is used to describe something that happens immediately or without delay. Similar to being quick off the mark, being off the bat suggests a quick response or action.
Lastly, the idiom "quick-fire" is also related. It means rapid or fast-paced, often used to describe a series of quick actions or events. Being quick-fire is similar to being quick off the mark, both requiring speed and efficiency.
The idiom "quick off the mark" is commonly used to describe someone who is quick to react or respond. Its origin in horse racing highlights the importance of being quick off the mark. Furthermore, related idioms like "quick on the draw", "off the bat", and "quick-fire" all emphasize the idea of quickness and speed in different contexts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *quick off the mark* can be used in a sentence:
- She was quick off the mark, answering the question correctly before anyone else had a chance.
- The company was quick off the mark, responding immediately to the customer's complaint.
- He was quick off the mark in starting his homework right after school.
More "Speed" idioms
