See, spot, tell, smell, etc. something a mile off
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Distance
This phrase doesn't mean physical distance. It's about noticing something long before it becomes a problem. 
With his experience, he could tell a customer's issue a mile off.
Pro Tip 2/3Sensory Verbs
Different verbs ('see', 'spot', 'smell') highlight specific senses, intensifying the feeling of anticipation. 
She could smell a scam a mile off and avoided the fraud.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Usage
Commonly used in casual speech to emphasize one's strong intuition or foresight in various situations. 
I could see his surprise plan a mile off; he's not good at hiding things.