What is the origin of the idiom "wide of the mark" and when to use it?
The idiom "wide of the mark" originates from archery, where the "mark" refers to the target that the archer is aiming for. If an archer misses the target completely, their arrow would be said to have gone "wide of the mark." The idiom can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from a statement that is completely false to a plan that is based on incorrect assumptions. It is often used to criticize or dismiss someone or something as being completely off-base or misguided.