Use 'wide of the mark' when referring to guesses or predictions that turned out wrong.

Guessing Context

Use it to highlight the degree of inaccuracy in someone's statement or work.

Evaluating Accuracy

It's often used metaphorically to describe a deviation from an expected outcome.

Apply it when a comment or opinion doesn't apply to the situation at hand.

Understand it as part of figurative speech, not suggesting physical distance but topical distance.

It's about relevance, not truthfulness. Statements can be true but still be wide of the mark.