quick off the mark

Idioms  

1. Fast to start or try something, as in This physician is quick off the mark in trying the newest medications. This expression comes from various kinds of races, where mark indicates the starting point. It was being used figuratively from the mid-1900s on.

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Example Sentences

Last week, Ucas chief executive Clare Marchant said students would have to be "quick off the mark" to get a place at a top university through clearing.

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2023

Nicol Loftie-Eaton took a brilliant catch at deep mid-wicket to dismiss Wanindu Hasaranga, before Michael van Lingen was quick off the mark to run out Pramod Madushan.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2022

Emerging economies for the most part were quick off the mark in their battle against inflation, raising rates well before developed peers began to do so.

From Reuters • Jul. 5, 2022

Federer was quick off the mark throughout that duel, unquestionably one of the matches of the year.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2018

Obsessive, creative and quick off the mark, Electron had respect, which is one reason Par felt so badly.

From Underground by Dreyfus, Suelette