slow off the mark

slow off the mark

1. Slow, delayed, or hesitant to begin, react, or take action. From a runner who is slow to leave their mark (the spot designating their starting position in a race). Emergency responders were too slow off the mark in dealing with the victim's injuries, and he ended up with permanent brain damage as a result. You were a little slow off the mark on your last line. Your character is supposed to come in a little bit sooner after Marlene finishes her monologue. You simply cannot afford to be slow off the mark when an allegation like that rears its head against you or your company.2. Not particularly bright, sharp-witted, or quick-thinking; slow to perceive or understand (something). Sorry about that mistake, I'm a little slow off the mark this morning. Joe's always been a bit slow off the mark when it comes to science and math.See also: mark, off, slow

slow off the mark

 1. Lit. slow in starting or reacting. (Compare this with quick off the mark.) If you are always that slow off the mark you will never win the race. Boy, you were slow off the mark there! 2. Fig. slow-witted. The guy's slow off the mark but very friendly. Yes, I'm afraid Tony is a bit slow off the mark when it comes to trigonometry.See also: mark, off, slow