On your mark

Meaning

The idiom "on your mark" means that someone is ready or prepared to do something, and they are waiting for the signal to start. It can also mean that someone is focused or determined to achieve a goal or complete a task.

Usage

• The athlete was on her mark, ready to run when the starting gun went off.
• The team was on their mark, ready to execute their plan flawlessly.
• The student was on his mark, studying hard for the exam.
• The musician was on her mark, waiting to begin playing her instrument.
• The CEO was on his mark, focused on achieving the company's goals. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used in different fields such as sports, business, education, and music, among others. It can also be used in different situations such as waiting for a signal, being focused on a task, or preparing for something important.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "on your mark" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated from the world of sports. In traditional track and field events, runners would line up behind each other at the starting line, which was marked by a chalk line or a tape measure. They would wait for the signal to start running, which would be given by the referee or the starter. Over time, the idiom has evolved to mean something more metaphorical. It is now used to describe someone who is focused and ready to achieve a goal or complete a task. This evolution reflects the changing nature of work and the increasing importance of being prepared and focused in different fields.

Synonyms in English

• Ready to go
• Prepared to take action
• Eager to start
• Set to launch
• Geared up for success

Synonyms in other languages

• 准备好 (Zǔ Bei Hao) - Chinese
• Ready à l'état (Ready à l'état) - French
• מכוון לאבדת מסורה (M'khuwn l'avdat m'sesura) - Hebrew
• 準備好 (Zǔ Bei Hao) - Mandarin Chinese
• 詳細地準備 (Jìn Bèi Lǐ Zhùn Bǐ) - Cantonese

Similar Idioms

• on the drawing board

• out of business

• on/to hand