quick off the mark

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.

Example Sentences

Chelsea have been quick off the mark in signing both Liam Delap from Ipswich and Joao Pedro from Brighton, but the likes of Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are still waiting to land their man.

From BBC

That said, TSMC's boss was quick off the mark in confirming the expansion of the US site at an event with Trump at the White House.

From BBC

But while Itula is quick off the mark and eloquent, the vice-president chooses her words wisely, and speaks slowly and deliberately.

From BBC

Warrington were quick off the mark at the Totally Wicked Stadium, with Ashton taking centre stage, against a side that had produced the performance of the quarter-finals by thrashing Catalans in Perpignan.

From BBC

Marks and Spencer was quick off the mark with its Christmas food advert, which sees the return of Dawn French as a festive fairy.

From BBC