beside the mark

B

beside the mark (idiom)
/ bɪˈsaɪd ðə mɑrk /

Meaning

  • Refers to something that is inaccurate or incorrect in relation to a particular topic or objective.
  • Describes a statement, opinion, or action that is irrelevant or unrelated to the main point or issue.
  • Indicates an idea or argument that misses its intended goal or fails to address the subject properly.
  • “Beside the mark” is the antonym of the idiom “on the mark.”

Example Sentences

  1. His criticism of her outfit was completely beside the mark in a discussion about her professional skills.
  2. The lawyer’s arguments were beside the mark and did not address the charges being debated.
  3. Your suggestion is interesting, but it’s beside the mark considering the current issue we’re trying to resolve.
  4. The report’s focus on technical details was beside the mark, as it failed to cover the strategic implications.
  5. Arguing about past mistakes is beside the mark when we need to focus on fixing the problem now.

Origin and History

The idiom “beside the mark” signifies something that is irrelevant or not pertinent to the main topic under discussion. This expression has been part of the English language for several centuries, and its origins are rooted in historical practices.

Archery Origins

One widely accepted theory traces the phrase back to archery. In this context, the “mark” refers to the target that archers aim to hit. An arrow landing “beside the mark” would miss the target, metaphorically representing an action or statement that fails to address the intended point.

Earliest Recorded Usage

The earliest recorded usage of “beside the mark” appears in Thomas More’s 1533 work, where he wrote, “He speketh al beside the marke.” This indicates that the phrase was in use during the 16th century to denote irrelevance or deviation from the main point.

Alternative Theories

While the archery origin is the most commonly accepted, some suggest that the phrase could also relate to other target-based activities where precision is crucial. However, there is limited evidence to support these alternative theories.

Relation to “On the Mark”

The idiom “beside the mark” is often contrasted with “on the mark,” which conveys accuracy and relevance. Both expressions likely share a common origin rooted in target-based activities such as archery, where hitting the “mark” symbolizes success and precision. While “on the mark” denotes achieving the intended goal, “beside the mark” reflects deviation or failure to align with the target, making them natural opposites in meaning.

Synonyms and Variants

  1. wide of the mark
  2. off the mark

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