Miss by a mile Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To be very far from being correct, accurate, or successful in something.
Usage & Nuances
This expression is informal and often used to describe answers, guesses, attempts, or predictions that are not just a little wrong, but very far off. It can be used in literal (physical) and figurative contexts. You might also hear 'miss by a long shot' with a similar meaning.
Example Sentences
He tried to guess her age but missed by a mile.
basic
His answer to the math question missed by a mile.
basic
If you think I'm 50 years old, you miss by a mile.
basic
I tried to shoot the basketball, but I missed by a mile—it didn’t even touch the hoop!
natural
You think that movie will win an Oscar? You miss by a mile—it got terrible reviews.
natural
Everyone expected sales to double, but the predictions missed by a mile.
natural