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

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

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

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

"So certainly, my advice to students...is to be pretty quick off the mark if that's what you're looking for."

From BBC